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MEMOIR 



REV. EBENEZER HILL, 



PASTOR OF THE 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 



MASON, N . H . 



FROM NOVEMBER, 1790, TO MAY, 1854. 



WITH SOME OF HIS SERMONS, 



AND HIS DISCOURSE ON THE 



HISTORY OF THE TO¥N. 



JOHN B. HILL 



-.((11876.; 



"^B S T N : 
LUCIUS A. ELLIOT &, CO. 

D. BUGBEE & CO., BANGOR. 

185 8. 



7 At 



PRINTED BY SAMUEL S. SMlTll, 
BANGOR, ME. 



PUEF ACE. 



To write the biography of a parent, is a delicate task. It 
has not been undertaken in the present instance, without a 
full appreciation of the difficulties in its accomplishment. 
Neither the feelings of the writer, nor the proprieties of the 
occasion, would permit any other tone than that of eulogy. 
My endeavor has been in this sketch, to exhibit fairly, the 
prominent traits of the character and incidents of the life of 
my father, especially in their effects upon the church and peo- 
ple of his charge ; and in doing so, I am not conscious that I 
have stepped beyond the line of propriety, either in the 
exhibition of commendable traits, or in the concealment or 
suppression of faults or imperfections. For the main body 
of this sketch, I am indebted to my brother, the Rev. T. Hill, 
of Saint Louis, Mo. 

The discourse upon leaving the Old Meeting House, is 
printed from a manuscript transcribed from the original, soon 
after it was delivered. The other discourses, are reprints of 
the first edition, with no change, but the correction of manifest 
errors. The portrait accompanying this volume, is engraved 
from a painting made at the age of about seventy years. 
The engraved page of a sermon, is a fac simile of the ser- 
mon preached at the dedication of the meeting house, in 

™^' J. B. Hill. 

Bangok, May 1, 1858. 



MEMOIR. 



" Every man's life is of importance to himself, to his family, to his friends, 
to his country, and in the sight of God. They are by lio means the best men, 
who have made most noise in the "world ; neither are those actions most 
deserving of praise, which have obtained the greatest show of fame. Scenes 
of violence and blood, the workings of ambition, pride and revenge, compose 
the annals of men. But piety and purity, temperance and humility, which 
arg little noted and soon forgotten of the world, are held in everlasting remem- 
brance before God." Hunter's Sacred Biography, vol. 1, ^j. 24. 

No two men have ever existed, wliose lives were, in all 
respects, exact counterparts of each other. Every human 
being, is thoroughly individualized by his own will, and has a 
history that is peculiar to himself, which can never be so 
blended with that of another, as not to possess points of 
interest, in contrast, to attentive observers. No two persons 
can be found, whose physical endowments are not such as to 
render them distinguishable by their intimate friends. So 
also, a marked distinction will be found in the mental powers, 
the modes of thought, and manner of action of individuals 
most closely resembling each other. Each, in all these 
respects, will have traits in a good degree original and pecu- 
liar to himself. Hence, the faithful portraiture of the char- 
acter of any individual will afford instruction to others. 
They will recognize in it, situations similar to their own, and 
by observing how difficulties have been overcome, and trials 
borne, or how temptations have led to ruin, they may be 
encouraged to struggle for victory, and shun the path which 
led another to destruction. 
2 



6 MEMOIR OF THE 

If it be true, that every man is so individualized as to ren- 
der liis real life instructive to others, it is peculiarly so, with 
the life of a christian ; for witli him a new element of power 
is introduced, and grace controls and silently renovates the 
man, evolving its own light from the darkness of nature, and 
so moulding the original elements, that upon all is enstamped 
the glorious image of Jesus, and the man is formed anew, and 
fitted for heaven. 

Could the real life of any christian be written, it would 
form a most interesting volume, and it would matter little, 
what position in life the subject of it might have occupied. 
The life of Moses is rich and varied, but the simple sketch of 
Lazarus, sitting at the rich man's gate, — dying alone, and 
borne by angels to Abraham's bosom, has a touching beauty, 
equalling in interest anything found in that of the law-giver. 
If these views are correct, the life of any earnest, success- 
ful preacher of the gospel, must have an intrinsic interest in 
whatever station his lot has been cast. He may not have 
been as eloquent as Whitfield, as deep a theologian as Ed- 
wards, nor have possessed the finished grandem- of Robert 
Hall; but he has fought a good fight himself, has pointed 
many sinners to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the 
sins of the world ; and trained many souls for immortality, 
and fitted them for heaven. The memory of such a man is 
enshrined in the best affections of many who have felt always 
his influence, and a view of his life will furnish them, and 
others also, with new motives for leading a life of faith. 

Such was the humble, earnest life of him, of whose history 
and character, it is proposed here to give a brief outline. 
His was the quiet life of a retired pastor of a country 
church ; of one, whose highest ambition it was, to be a faith- 
ful preacher of the gospel, to those whom God had placed 
under his care. It is the object of this sketch, to enable 
those who read it, to form a distinct idea of his individual 
character, of his manner of life, and of the general results of 
his labors ; and the many friends who revered and loved him 



HEV. EBENEZER HiLL. 1 

while living, to preserve a fresh and vivid memory of their 
departed pastor, counselor and friend. 

Ebenezer Hill, the subject of this memoir, was born in 
Cambridge, Mass., January 31st, 1766. He was the youngest 
son of Samuel Hill and Sarah Cutler, his wife. His father 
was born in Boston, but of his parentage and ancestry, 
nothing is certainly known. He was a carpenter by trade, 
but never rose above the condition of the most humble 
poverty. He served as a common soldier, in the war of the 
revolution, and returned to Cambridge at its close, to resume 
his occupation as a carpenter. After his son Samuel settled 
in Mason, he came to that place, and resided there with him, 
most of the time, till the close of his life. He died at Mason, 
June 21st, 1798, aged about sixty-six years. His mother, 
Sarah Cutler, was born in the year 1733, in what was, April 
24th, 1746, incorporated as the second precinct of Concord, 
and afterwards on the 19th of April, 1754, incorporated as a 
town by the name of Lincoln. Her father, Ebenezer Cutler, 
was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of the pre- 
cinct. She was a woman of great energy. With very scanty 
means, and, in a great measure, with the labor of her own 
hands, she provided for the support, training and education 
of her children. In October, 1781, she purchased a lot of 
land in Cambridge, thirty feet square, for the price of "nine 
pounds, twelve shillings, lawful money of this Common- 
wealth." It is described in the deed, as lying "on the north 
side of the house of Moses and William Boardman, deceased ; 
on the road leading to Lexington." It was about one mile 
northerly of the colleges. Upon this plot, she placed a 
small cottage house, in which she and her family resided. 
The building was a portion of barracks occupied by the Rev- 
olutionary army, when stationed at Cambridge. The land 
was appraised by three disinterested persons, in June, 1796, 
at one hundred and thirty-five dollars. It undoubtedly com- 
prised, at that time, the principal part of the family estate. 
About the year 1790, she went to Mason, and resided there 



« MEMOIR OF THE 

Avitli lier son Ebenczer, until the close of her life. She died 
December 30th, 1808, aged seventy-five years. 

Two sons, Samuel and Ebenczer, -were their only children. 
Samuel, the eldest, was born in 1764. He was a carpenter 
by trade, and followed that occupation through life. It 
seems that the brothers at an early period, formed the reso- 
lution to fix their residence in the same town. Samuel writes 
to Ebenezer from Goshen, Vermont, under date of November 
24th, 1787, as follows: "If things will permit, as you wrote 
to me about our living in one town, I hope, that by the 
blessing of God, we shall ; but when, I know not, but must 
wait God's own due time." This purpose, so early formed, 
was accomplished. Samuel came to reside in Mason, proba- 
bly, in the year 1792. He was certainly resident there early 
in 1793, and there he passed the remainder of his life, a 
useful, industrious man, noted for sterling integrity and inde- 
pendence of character; a good husband, father, and citizen. 
He died May 23d, 1813, aged forty -nine years. His first 
wife was Dorcas Wyeth, born in Cambridge. She died at 
Mason, January 19th, 1807, at the age of thirty-seven years. 

His second wife, was Mary Adams, daughter of John and 
Mary Adams, born in Mason, August 11th, 1780. They were 
married in September, 1809. This wife survived him, and is 
still (January, 1858) living in widowhood, at Mason. 

Ebenezer, the second son of Samuel and Sarah, was the 
favorite son of his mother. By the devotion, on her part, 
of all her means to that end, he was prepared at the age of 
sixteen years, to enter Harvard college. His preparatory 
studies were pursued at the grammar school in Cambridge, 
under the tuition among other teachers, of the late Rev. Dr. 
Bancroft, of Worcester, and Rev. Dr. Kendall, of Newton. 
Students were then admitted to the college, upon a personal 
examination into their literary qualifications, made by the 
officers of the college ; and if found by them to be sufficiently 
grounded in the requisite preparatory studies, and to furnish 
the proper testimonials of moral character, their names were 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 9 

entered upon the books of the steward as students, on their 
producmg the bond, and making the payments required by 
the college laws. A printed extract from these laws, was 
delivered to the student, whose examination had been found 
to be satisfactory, pointing out what further was required to 
be done on his part, before he could become a member of 
the college. This document, as well as the bond he gave, 
was found carefully preserved, among his papers. It is 
thought that as a matter of curiosity, and as illustrating the 
manners of the times, most readers of this book, will feel 
interest enough in the subject, at least to excuse its insertion. 
It is as follows : 

"Extract from the second and third laws of Chapt. 1st, of 
the College Laws. 

Chap. I. Part of Law 2d. 
" The Parents or Guardians of those who have been 
approved on Examination, or some other person, shall pay 
three pounds to the Steward, towards defraying their College 
Charges ; also, give bond to the Steward, with one or more 
Sureties to his Satisfaction, in the sum of two hundred ounces 
of silver, to pay College Dues Quarterly, as they are charged 
in the Quarter Bills, Viz : the Stewards, Glaziers and Sweep- 
ers. And in case of Death or Removal before College 
Charges arise, to the sum of three pounds, the Steward shall 
return the remainder to the person who gave the bond." 

In the original paper the sums expressed were "thirty shil- 
lings," which was erased, and "three pounds" inserted; and 
"Forty pounds" erased, and "two hundred ounces of silver" 
inserted; and "thirty shillings" erased, and "thi^ee pounds" 
inserted. 

"Part of Law 3d. Every one that has been accepted, shall, 
as soon as may be, exhibit to the President, a Certificate of 
the Steward, that the foregoing rules have been complied 
with. Upon the receipt of which, the President shall sign an 



10 MEMOIR OP THE 

Order for the Admission of such Person, in the following 
words : 

" Cantal)rigia3 Augusti. 
"Addmittatnr in Collegium Harvardinum. A. B. 

Pra3scs. 

f 

And the Order shall be kept on File by the Steward. And 
no one shall be allowed to take Possession of any chamber 
in the College, or receive the Instructions of that Society, or 
be considered a member thereof, until he has been admitted 
according to the form prescribed." 

This paper is dated July 19th, 1782. At the foot, is a 
memorandum in the hand-writing of Joseph Willard, the 
president, and signed by him as follows : 

''The above alterations were made in conformity to a late 
order of the Government of the College. 

J. Willard, Presdt." 

Upon the first page of the same sheet, is the admittatur in 
the words following : 

"FORM OF ADMISSION. 

" Cantabrigice Julii 13° 1782. Admittatur in Collegium 
Harvardinum Ebenezer Hill. 

JosEPHCJS Willard, Pra)ses." 

The bond required, was s.igned by his mother's brothers, 
Elisha Cutler of Waltham, yeoman, and Jonas Cutler of 
Groton, shop-keeper, and is dated August 13th, 1782. 

He thus become a member of this venerable and useful insti- 
tution, and supported by the exertions of his mother, and his 
expenses borne, in part, by the aid furnished by funds liber- 
ally and thoughtfully contributed by benevolent persons, to 
enable students in want of pecuniary means to pursue their 
studies, he completed his college course with commendable 
diligence, and a fair exhibition of scholarly attainments, but 
without displaying any striking traits of character, or meet- 
ing with any note-worthy incidents ; a sample of that class of 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 11 

industrious and persevering conservative students and pro- 
fessional men, who have contributed in no small degree, to 
make the character of the New England people and their 
institutions, what it has been, and, it is hoped, will continue 
to be, for all coming time. 

Of his student life, few memorials remain ; but these are 
enough to prove it to have been both pleasant and profitable. 
He always spoke of, it as if the associations connected with it 
were agreeable, and there remain indications of his progress, 
which shew that it must have been with him a time of indus- 
try, and of creditable success. His knowledge of the Latin 
language, was quite accurate, and he retained his fondness for 
that noble speech until his old age. 

While in college, he acquired a habit of exactness which 
remained with him through life. His penmanship, which was 
always singularly uniform, close and beautiful, was early 
acquired. A blot or illegible word, or word misspelt, will 
hardly be found in all his manuscripts, which are very 
numerous, embracing a pei'iod of more than seventy years. 
There is no difficulty, in recognizing the same beautiful hand 
through the entire period. A sample of his hand-writing, 
being a fac simile of a page of one of his sermons, will be 
found among the illustrations of this work. 

There is now, in the possession of the writer, a manuscript 
book of one hundred and thirty foolscap pages, containing a 
system of mathematics, as taught while he was a member of 
the college, being, in fact, the exercises required to be 
wrought out by the student, in that branch of study ; embrac- 
ing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, surveying, drawing, &c., 
all written and executed with the most singular neatness 
and care. The diagrams are drawn with great beauty and 
accuracy, and some of them are carefully and tastefully 
colored. There is, also, in the same possession, a letter 
written on his eightieth birth-day, which, when ^compared 
with the manuscript book, shews the same hand almost 
unchanged. Nor did it ever change, until his powers so 



12 MEMOIR OP THE 

failed tliat his trcmljling liand no loiifrcr obeyed bis will, and 
the feeble lines traced by it, too plainly showed the decay of 
old au-e. 

He graduated at the commencement, in 178G. Among his 
class-mates were the Hon. Timothy Bigelow, many years 
speaker of the house of representatives, of Massachusetts ; 
Rev. Alden Bradford, secretary of the commonwealth, and 
author of a valuable history of the state ; Rev. Dr. Wm. Har- 
ris, president of Columbia College; Hon. John Lowell, 
distinguished as a jurist, a politician, a controversial writer 
and an agriculturalist ; Hon. Isaac Parker, chief justice of the 
supreme judicial court of Massachusetts ; and Thomas W. 
Thompson, and Christopher Grant Champlin, members of the 
house of representatives and of the senate of the United 
States. Of his intimate friends in the class, the Rev. Jacob 
Norton, formerly of Weymouth, survived him. He died at 
Billerica, where the last years of his life were spent, January 
17th, 1858, at the age of ninety-three years, eleven months, 
five days, being, at the time of his death, the oldest surviv- 
ing graduate of Harvard College. 

There is a fact worthy of a moment's notice, as an indica- 
tion of the comparative longevity of the New England clergy. 
In his class, the number of graduates was forty-five. Ten of 
these were clergymen. When the triennial catalogue of 
1839 was published, but fifteen of this class were living, and 
of that number, seven were clergymen. As another indica- 
tion of the same fact, it is worthy of note, that on the first 
day of May, 1854, there were residing in the state of New 
Hampshire, within a distance not exceeding in all fifteen 
miles of each other, three congregational clergymen, whose 
united ages would make two hundred and seventy-eight years ; 
Rev. Laban Ainsworth of Jafi'rc}^, at the age of ninety-seven, 
Rev. Gad Newell, of Nelson, at the age of ninety-three, Rev. 
Ebenezer' Hill, of Mason, at the age of eighty-eight years; 
all of them enjoying a comfortable measure of health, and 
all of them residing in the town and society in which they 



REV, EBENEZER HILL. 13 

were origmall)^ settled in the ministry ; Mr. Ainsworth having 
passed his one hundredth, and Mr. Newell his ninety-sixth 
year, still (January, 1858) survive. Another remarkable 
instance of the longevity of the clergymen of that time and 
region, is presented in the fact, that in February, 1858, there 
were living, four graduates of Dartmouth college, whose 
united ages exceeded four hundred years ; viz : the Eev. John 
Sawyer, D. D., of Bangor, Maine, one hundred and two years 
and four months, the Rev. Laban Ainsworth, of Jaffrey, N. H., 
one hundred years, seven months, the Rev. Ethan Osborn, of 
Fairton, N. J., ninety-nine years, five months, and the Rev. 
Zachariah Greene, of Hampstead, L. L, ninety-nine years, one 
month ; all undoubtedly natives of New England. 

Soon after graduating, in the autumn of 1786, he com- 
menced school-teaching in Westford. He remained there, and 
in that employment, about two years. Here he formed the 
acquaintance with his first wife, Mary Boynton, daughter of 
Nathaniel Boynton, and Rebecca (Barrett) his, wife. While 
residing at Westford, he seems to have finally determined on, 
and made choice of the gospel ministry, as his prpfession 
and business in life. In a letter from his friend and class- 
mate, Tapley Wyeth, dated June 9th, 1787, occurs this sen- 
tence. "I am glad to hear you are determined on the study 
of divinity ; the prospects are bright, when compared with 
those of the other learned professions." This, to be sure, 
was a very mundane view of the subject, but it was one per- 
fectly in accordance with the notions on this question, by 
many entertained at that period. With the subject of this 
memoir, there is reason to believe, that the considerations 
finally inducing him to the adoption of this line of life, were 
of a much more grave, serious and appropriate character. 
The citation is made, rather to show that at this early period 
he had made known to his friend, his determination to adopt 
the clerical profession, rather than to indicate his ultimate 
inducements to that choice. 

It was, in those days, customary for young men soon after, 
3 



14 MEMOIR OP THE 

if not before, graduating, to make choice of a professional life 
according to their several tastes. It was not then, as now, 
among the clergy calling themselves orthodox, deemed an 
essential qualification, before commencing the study of theol- 
ogy, that the student should possess and profess personal 
piety, and manifest it by uniting with some church ; but the 
embryo preacher chose his profession, undoubtedly in most 
instances, with serious reflection and consideration ; and 
acquired his piety and religious experience, not before, but 
after he commenced his theological studies. Whether Mr. Hill's 
thoughts were turned in this direction, before, or soon after 
graduating, is not now known, but it is understood that he had 
in his own mind, made choice of this walk in life, before he 
was the subject of any personal religious impressions. "While 
engaged in his duties as a teacher at Westford, the thought 
occurred to him, when contemplating his purpose of a clerical 
life, how inconsistent it would be for him to undertake to 
teach others the way of life, and become their spiritual guide, 
when he was himself ignorant of "the way, the truth and the 
life." This reflection fastened itself upon his mind, and led 
to deep, serious, and anxious enquiry, resulting in religious 
conversion, and the full and sincere dedication of his life and 
all its energies, to the work of the ministry. This incident 
of his religious life and experience, a subject to which he 
was, in his intercourse with his most intimate friends, singu- 
larly sparing in any allusion, is preserved alone in the mem- 
ory of Mrs. Dunster, who in a venerable old age, with a 
remarkable preservation of mental vigor, remains in the year 
1858, the sole surviving member of the church as constituted 
at the time of his ordination as its pastor. The authority 
for this statement, is the funeral sermon, preached at Mason 
village, after the death of Mr Hill, by the Rev. Mr. Kellogg. 

A singular incident connected with his school-teaching at 
Westford, was brought to light a few years before his death. 
As it exhibits a remarkable instance of firmness, decision of 
character, energy and perseverance in a yaukee boy, conduct- 



REV. fiBENEZER HILL. 15 

ing him to tlie most honorable and useful stations in life, it is 
hoped that the use made of the correspondence, as an illus- 
tration of the manners of the times and the characters of 
the actors, by its introduction here for that purpose, will be 
pardoned. In January, 1848, Mr. Hill received by mail 
the following letter : 

M , Vermont, Jan'y 4, 1848. 

Rev. Ebenezer Hill, 

My Dear Sir: — I noticed, not long since, your name as a 
clergyman in Mason, in a New Hampshire register. My 
object in writing to you is, to ascertain if you are the person, 
that taught a district school in Westford, about the winter 
of 1788. Will you be so kind as to inform me by mail, and 
if I find that you are the same person, I will then, inform you 
of my object, in asking for this information. 

Yours, with great respect, J R . 

To this letter, Mr. Hill replied as follows : 

Mason, Jan'y 10, 1848. 
Mr. J R : 

Sir: — I received a line from you, requesting information, 
whether I am the person who taught a district school in 
Westford, in the winter of 1788. 

In answer to your question, I say, I graduated at Cam- 
bridge, in the year 1786, and in the autumn of the year, took 
the town school in Westford, for a year. This school, I kept 
two years, removing from one district to another. Whether 
the turn came to the Forge, or Stony Brook district in the 
winter of 1788, I do not recollect. But of this I am sure, 
that there was no school kept in the town, in those two 
years, other than was taught by me, and, for a season, after 
quitting the schools, I remained in Westford, and made that 
town my home, so that I feel confident, that no school-master 
of the name of Hill, taught a school'in Westford, but myself. 

I shall, sir, with some degree of excited curiosity be wait' 
ing, for the promised information, respecting the enquiry. 
Respectfully yours, EBEN'R HILL. 



16 MEMOIR OP THE 

To this the following reply Avas received ; 

M , Yt., Jany 18, 1848. 

Rev. Ebenezer Hill : 

Dear Sir: — Yours of the 10th instant is received, in which 
you say, you taught school in Westford two years, commenc- 
ing in the autumn of 1786. I am satisfied, that you are the 
person I have been anxious to find, for the last half century 

or more. I am the son of J R , living in the east 

part of the town. I attended your school in the winter of 
1787, and in the fall of the same year, when you kept in the 
middle of the town, also, the winter school of 1788, you kept 
in the district where my father resided. Col's Wright and 
Osgood lived in the same district. I think you boarded with 
Capt. Pelctiah, or Capt. Thomas Fletcher, both winters. 
All passed pleasantly, till the last week in February, when 
for some trifling fault, in (say whispering,) being then only 
eleven years of age, you called me up, and ordered me to 
stand out in the middle of the floor, about an hour before 
the school closed in the afternoon, and let me stand there 
without my reading or spelling, until the school closed for 
the day, and without your saying a word to me ; which I 
considered a great insult. I therefore remained, until you 
and the scholars had retired, except a young man (Levi 
Wright) who was to take care of the house. I then thought 
of revenge, &c., and collected your books, inkstand and ruler, 
with intent to burn them up ; but before I could effect the 
object, Levi Wright discovered what I Avas doing, and inter- 
fered, and saved all except the inkstand, ruler, and a small 
book or two, say to the value from three to six shillings 
worth. AVright told me I should be whipped to death the 
next day, which brought me to my senses. I then resolved 
to leave the country. I had an uncle visiting at my father's, 
who lived at Plymouth, N. H. I resolved to go home with 
him, to get clear of punishment, and finally persuaded my 
father to let me go, though he would not if he had known 
the reason, and I was off in a day or two ; so I escaped the 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 17 

punishment I so richly deserved, without my parents know- 
ing my crime, and I never returned [to reside in the town.] I 
have ever regretted my fault and error, and have intended, if 
ever I could see you, or learn your place of residence, to 
make an apology and satisfaction, though, perhaps, you have 
long since forgotten the transaction. I now sir, enclose to 
you $5,00, to pay debt and interest, which I hope you will 
receive with the same kind feelings, which I have in sending 
it to you- and wish you to consider my extreme youth when 
the error was committed. Perhaps you may have some curi- 
osity to know my success in life, &c. I resided in Plymouth 
until May, 1803, when I came into this state and engaged in 
trade, and followed trade successfully about thirty years. 
In public life, I have been eight years a representative to the 
legislature, a justice of the peace thirty years, a judge of our 
courts some years, also, judge of probate in this county, 
one of the electors of president and vice president of the 
United States, (Harrison) one of the council of censors to 
revise the constitution of this state, county treasurer the last 
twenty years, and many minor offices. I now live in retire- 
ment, being seventy-one years of age. Respectfully yours, 
with my best wishes for your health and happiness. 

J R . 

P. S. Will you be so good as to acknowledge the receipt 
of this, and oblige J. R. 

The substance of Mr. Hill's letter in reply, is as follows : 
Hon. J R . 

Dear Sir: — Yours of the ISth instant, came safe to hand, 
and you may be assured it has been read repeatedly, with 
deeply interested feelings. I thank you for the favor. It 
has led to some reflections on the ways of Divine Providence 
in bringing about events very important, yet unlooked for> 
and unexpected. "Who would have thought that the wild 
freaks of a boy eleven years old, in attempting to escape 
punishment for a pardonable fault in school, would lead him 



18 MEMOIR OP THE 

to forsake his father's house, and all the endearments of 
home and family connections, and 5"outhful acquaintances ? 
that such an event, should be the first step to bring that 
youth to fill places of honor and trust to which few aspire, 
and to which very few attain ? And yet, had one link been 

wanting in the chain of events which placed J R , 

the little lad, with his distant relatives in Plymouth, he 
would not be, as at this day, the Hon. J R , in Ver- 
mont, having filled most of the various offices of high and 
honorary trust. With respect to the " debt and interest" of 
which you write, I had no debt, and the circumstances named, 
were entirely forgotten. If debt was due to either, it was 
rather to you, than to me. However, I receive the sum 
gratefully, as a token of your kind remembrance and contin- 
ued friendship. I rejoice in the blessings which God has 
bestowed upon you, and hope still to enjoy your kind remem- 
brance while I remain on earth. Judging from the pleasure 
I have received in the sketches of your life, I am led to 
presume that it will not be entirely uninteresting to you, to 
learn some of the events of my life since the time to which 
your letter refers. 

After leaving the school, I made Westford my principal 
home, until I went to read with Dr. Payson of Rindge. In 
the year 1790, I was ordained pastor of the congregational 
church in Mason, and that relation has continued to the pres- 
ent day. I have had two colleague pastors settled with me, 
but now am alone in that office. I have been blessed with an 
unusual degree of health, having in all my ministry, but very 
few times been taken off from public ministerial labors, for 
want of health, and through the abounding mercy of God, 
have been spared to see the last day of January, 1848, which 
completed my eighty-second year of pilgrimage on earth. 
But four or five are now living in the town, who were at the 
head of a family, when I became their minister." The letter 
closes with some particular details of his family, which will 
be more pertinently introduced in another connection. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 19 

To resume the narrative. After closing his school-teaching 
at Westforcl, he pursued the study of theology with the Rev. 
Seth Payson, (afterwards known as Dr. Payson,) of Rindge, 
N. H. While residing at Rindge, and in his family, he united 
with the church in Rindge, by profession, September 28th, 
1788. 

At that time, there were no theological seminaries in the 
land. The usual course was, for the candidate for the minis- 
tr}^, to resort to some well known divine, who had a reputa- 
tion for learning and ability to teach, and with him to pursue 
such a course of study, as the parties should think proper. 
After the course of instruction was sufficiently advanced, the 
pastor would introduce his pupil to his own pulpit and 
people, before he went abroad ; and thus give him the benefit 
of a certain degree of experience, under the most favorable 
circumstances. This form of instruction, if it did not furnish 
to the student so good an opportunity for extensive and accu- 
rate scholarship, as the present mode, yet possessed advan- 
tages for carefully observing the operations of divine truth on 
a christian parish, and thereby preparing himself for the dis- 
charge of his professional duties, with fewer embarrassments 
than are usually in the way of a cloister student, who has 
passed through a full curriculum of collegiate and theological 
education. 

The reasons inducing him to apply to Dr. Payson for 
instruction, are not now known, but he seems to have been 
favored by a divine providence, in the selection of his 
teacher. Dr. Payson was a man of sterling worth, and he 
secured the regard of his pupil, and retained it till his death. 

If, as stated in his letter to Mr. R , he spent two years 

as a school-teacher in Westford, he must have commenced 
his residence with Mr. Payson in August, 1788. That it 
was so, his letters show ; for in one bearing date at Rindge, 
August, 1788, (the day of the month not inserted,) he writes, 
"I have now been here eleven days." His novitiate was very 
short, for his license to preach, bears date October 28th, 



20 MEMOIR OF THE 

1788. He commenced preaching as a candidate, immediately 
after. Many of his sermons remaining, bear date in that 
year. Indeed, it is probable, that his first effort in conduct- 
ing the public worship in the pulpit, was prior to tliat date, 
for in a letter dated, as usual with him at that time, Ijy the 
day of the week, omitting that of the month, under date of 
Saturday evening, October, 1788, he writes, ^'Mr. Payson has 
just been into my study, and says I must preach for him 
to-morrow, for he is not prepared." The letter continued on 
subsequent days, till Saturday, two weeks from the first date, 
makes no mention of the examination or license. 

The following copy of this venerable document is worthy 
of insertion, for its quaintness, and also, as a sample of the 
mode in which such important matters were disposed of, 
by the fathers of the New England churches : 

■/y<96', Soen z S'lUc, Gd. J^. a/i/ieaiec/ a7ic/ yaOmk^ec/ 

Aim/e^ ^o exa97unatton ad a ^afiacaa^e/ ifoz ye/ ^/-omec 

^um^lu :^s:^^/uio7t/ enatuiu i?7/e /ic4 7?70Za/ ^Aazcu^^et, 

'm^ntt^eziac *uznUaie{ ana incu'd tTz/ u?tacz<aAcna 'ue/ 

toozA, tfcteci ana/ficmoa//^ JalMua wUn' Q/Ci'm/ {,92/ aa 

^Aataclez, ana @^/ m ■/ieatlc/i/' zecor/t'me)iaea ^ ^izeacA 

toneieevez ^I'Oa 192/ niit ^Z^z^viaence/ JAau mvc/ Ai?n/ 

o^/ioziu^t^u : ana me' mt/n' (k/Ce/ may Azove a zicd ,^0^^ 

aina ^0 ^de ^An' anJ .£l/i^ o/^^oc/, and /Aai &Ze '}nau 

ve an ai'/e and &%tm/uc mcni/^ez o/^de new ^emunenL 

~£Su CAc/ef^ ^f y^ aA(tociai('o7i{ 

j^o/in/ lamina, /ciioe. 

There cannot be much doubt, that while teaching school 
during the two years in Westford, he was under the direction 
of Dr. Payson, pursuing his theological studies, and that the 
date above stated, is that of the commencement of his resi- 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 21 

dence in the family of his instructor, rather than that of the 
commencement of his professional studies. 

Among other places, he exercised his ministry in the towii 
of Marlborough, so much to the acceptance of the church 
and people, that they gave him a call to settle in that place, 
as their minister. This call was voted in concurrence with 
the church, at a town meeting, held November 13th, 1789. 
The provision for his support, offered by the town, was as 
follows : 

"Voted, To give Mr. Hill one hundred and sixty pounds, 
settlement; sixty pounds to be paid in specie, one half of 
which, is to be paid in three months after his ordination, the 
other half, to be paid in nirfe months. The one hundred 
pounds to be paid in beef cattle. Equal to beef at twenty 
shillings per hundred, or other neet stock Equivilent; sd. 
beef to be paid the fifteenth day of October, after his ordi- 
nation. 

"Voted, To give Mr. Hill sixty pounds salary for the first 
year, and to add Twenty shillings a year, until it arrive to the 
sum of sixty-eight pounds, and also, 

"Voted, To give Mr. Hill thirty cords of wood, delivered 
at his house, the salary and wood to be paid annually, so long 
as Mr. Hill shall perform the work of a gospel minister, in 
this place. 

"Voted, That when the majority of the Church and Town 
shall agree to invite a council, to settle any difficulty, if any 
should arise between pastor and church and Town, that Mr. 
Hill be obligated to join with the church and town, in a mutual 
council." 

At a subsequent meeting, December 24th, 1789, the offer 
was modified by the following vote : 

"Voted, To alter the payment of Mr. Ebenezer Hill's 
salary as it now stands, in the proposals which the town has 
made to him, and to pay the said salary, annually, so long as 
he shall remain our gospel minister." This was, undoubtedly, 
intended to apply to, and modify that provision of the 
4 



22 MEMOIR OF THE 

former offer, which limited tlic payment of the salary, by the 
phrase " so long as Mr. Hill sliall perform tlie work of a gos- 
pel minister in this place." This made the payment contin- 
gent on services actually performed. The contract by which 
a preacher was settled, as the pastor of a church and minis- 
ter of a town, was then regarded as indissoluble, without 
fault on the part of the minister, as the marriage contract 
was then esteemed to be. Hence it followed, that if the 
minister should become disabled from disease or old age, to 
perform " the work of a gospel minister," he was still enti- 
tled to claim and receive his stipend, and the people were 
not permitted, after having enjoyed tlie best services of his 
youth and vigorous manhood, to turn him adrift in his old age, 
laboring under poverty and infirmity, to spend his last days 
in penury and misery. The clergy were particularly cautious, 
not to permit any stipulations looking to an abridgement of 
this right, to be incorporated into the contract ; on the other 
hand, the people were somewhat inclined to entertain the 
notion, that the principle of no work, no pay,, should apply 
to these, as well as to other contracts. These ideas, doubt- 
less, had something to do with the framing of this proposed 
contract, and of the modification, adopted at the second 
meeting. These were old world notions. As the French 
say, "All this, we have changed." Now the contract between 
ministers and people, has little more permanency than a 
hiring from year to year, and, from the frequency with which 
divorces are sought, and the ease with which they are 
obtained, in some parts of our country, the marriage contract 
is fast verging to the same miserable state. It is sufficient 
to say, that this call was not accepted ; for what particular 
reasons, does not appear. He had, at the same time, under 
consideration, a similar call from the church and people in 
Mason, which was first in point of time, and was by him finally 
accepted 5 but he ever entertained for the people of Marlbo- 
rough, an aflcctionute regard. 

His first introduction to Mason, the scene of his future 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 23 

labors, in which his life was to be spent, was undoubtedly, 
through the Rev. Samuel Dix, of Townsend, with whom he 
formed an acquaintance while residing at Westford, or at 
Rindgc, which ended, only with the life of that worthy gen- 
tleman. Addressed "To Mr. Ebenezer Hill, at Rindge," is a 
letter, of which the following is a copy : 

"Mr. Hill: — I am desired in bclialf of the town of Mason, 
to request you to preach with them four Sabbaths ; to begin, 
the first or second in April next. They wish to know soon, 
whether you comply or notj if you please to send the infor- 
mation to me, I will convey it to them, by divine permission ; 
I mean, in case you can't bring it yourself, to your friend and 
servant, Sam'l Dix." 

Townsend, May 20th, 1789. 

There is, undoubtedly, a mistake in the date of this letter. 
It should be March, instead of May. This invitation was 
complied with. It appears by the minutes of the Holies 
Association, that at their meeting at Townsend, July 1st, 
1789, there were present as "company, the Rev. Mr. Bullard, 
of Pepperell, and Mr. Hill, a candidate preaching at Mason." 

In coming to this, his future home, he came to no place of 
case, no well cultivated garden spot, where the young- 
preacher was to find a polished people, a full salary, and to 
enjoy the opportunity for becoming a scholar, a theologian ; 
but he came to an uncultivated field, which demanded, from 
its occupant, the most laborious toil, in order for success. 
The people were poor, unpolished in manners, but sincerely 
desirous of the establishment of the institutions of religion 
among them, and ready to receive their minister, with open 
hand and heart. The " Gaius, mine host" who first received 
and entertained this youthful apostle, upon his entry into 
this his future diocese, was the worthy and excellent Jason 
Dunster, a lineal descendant of Henry Dunster, the first 
president of Harvard college. He then resided in the south- 
east part of the town. Mr. Dunster, then an aged man, 
remained his firm and unwavering friend, to the close of 



24 MEMOIR OF THE 

his life. The mode of travelling in those days, was on horse* 
back, the wayfarer taking with him his scanty wardrobe, and 
a few books, and manuscript sermons in his saddle-bags. 
There were then, no wheeled carriages in the town, except the 
ox-carts, and no vehicle for winter conveyance, except the ox- 
sleds and pungs, a coarsely-made box, placed upon rimners, 
and drawn by one or more horses. The roads were rough, 
and by no means free from stumps and stones ; so that the 
means of passing from place to place, were only those just 
described, or the more primitive method, the use of the 
sturdy limbs furnished by nature to all well made up men 
and women. 

His services as a minister, seem to have been from the 
first, very acceptable to the people of his future charge, and 
he continued to preach in the place, with a few interruptions 
of time, spent in other places, until his final settlement and 
ordination. Soon after coming into town, he became domes- 
ticated in the pleasant family of Mr. John Winship, in which 
he resided most of the time, till he was married, and could 
sit down by his own domestic hearth. For this worthy fam- 
ily, he always entertained an affectionate regard. It seems, 
that after fulfilling his first engagement at Mason, of '-four 
sabbaths," probably extended to a few more weeks, he 
preached at Ashby, at which place he was employed in August, 
1789 ; as appears, by the letter of the meeting house commit- 
tee of Mason, dated August 29th, 1789, addressed to him at 
Asbby; which has been inserted in the History of Mason, 
page 111. 

The people of Mason, without any long trial of their can- 
didate, determined to invite him to become their minister. 
A church meeting for this purpose, was held October 13th, 
1789. Just seventeen years before that time, October 13th, 
1772, the meeting was held for the gathering and formation 
of the church, into an ecclesiastical body. The church, at 
this meeting, at which the Rev. Mr. Dix presided, voted, 
unanimously, to invite Mr. Hill to become their pastor. In 



EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 25 

tliis action of tlie clinrch, the town concurred by their votes, 
at a meeting held on the 16th of October. Copies of the 
votes of the town and of the church were communicated to him. 

Thus, was presented to him, the most important question 
he would be called upon to decide in his long life; one, 
upon which his happiness as a man, and his usefulness as a 
public teacher and minister of the word of God, was mainly 
to depend. The prospect was far from cheering. There 
were many discouragements. The town was small, and the 
inhabitants few in number. They were poor, and there was 
little promise that they would ever be otherwise. Their sole 
employment was agriculture, except the few handicrafts 
always found in agricultural communities, and the character 
of the hard, stubborn, rocky soil was such, as to afford prom- 
ise of rather scanty harvests, and no anticipations of rapid 
improvement. But, on the other hand, the people were 
industrious, temperate, frugal, warm-hearted, ready to do 
according to their best ability for his comfort and support. 

The church formed October 13, 1772, then consisting of 
twenty-one members, twelve men and nine women, had hardly 
kept its numbers good. Unhappy difficulties arose, soon 
after the settlement of their first minister, the Rev. Jonathan 
Searle. He was dismissed August 14th, 1781. After his 
dismission, they had procured a temporary supply, from time 
to time, and had invited several preachers to settle with them 
but all the invitations had been declined. Only one member 
had been added to the communion, for more than thirteen 
years, and he, Jonathan Chandler, by letter, from the church 
in Grafton. 

But there were circumstances of encouragement. The 
neighboring ministers, particularly Dix of Townsend, and 
Farrar of New Ipswich, were anxious to welcome him as a 
fellow-laborer, and to have the waste place which this church 
had, for so many years exhibited, built up. In 1785, a reli- 
gious revival, of a remarkable character, took place in New 
Ipswich, in which the neighboring towns, and particularly the 



26" ME^rom op the 

town of Mason, larg:cly shared. Many of the young persons 
in that town, on becoming subjects of the revival, had united 
with the church in New Ipswich. All these were now ready, 
in prospect of the re-establishment of gospel ordinances, to 
remove their church-membership to Mason church ; and many 
inhabitants of the town, members of churches in the places 
in which they had formerly lived, were ready to remove their 
membership to this church. These, uniting with the remain- 
ing members of the church, constituted at the time of his 
ordination, a body of thirty-six in number, ready to receive 
him as their pastor and teacher. 

After due consideration, in July or August, 1790, he gave 
his answer to this call in the affirmative, accepting the invita- 
tion. In pursuance of these proceedings, an ecclesiastical 
council was called, which met on the second day of November, 
1790, and, having made the necessary examinations and 
arrangements therefor, on the next day, they proceeded to 
ordain him, as pastor of the church. For the details of the 
votes of the church and of the town, his answer to their 
call and the proceedings of the council, reference may be 
had to the History of the town of Mason, pages 111 to 119. 

His inducements to accept this invitation, rather than that 
of Marlborough, appear in a letter to a friend, under date of 
May 5th, 1790. He writes, "I have tried to think it was my 
duty to settle at Marlborough, but it appears quite plain to 
me, that Providence has pointed out ]\[ason as the place. I 
think I never saw such an union, and such engagedness, as is 
apparent in this place. What their motives are, I am not 
able to say, but trust, with regard to the greater part, they 
are gospel motives, and upon the whole, I dare not deny 
them." 

The provision for his support amounted to $250 a year, a 
very moderate -stipend upon which to sustain a family and 
keep up the hospitality which was then expected of the 
clergy, and generally maintained by them. It was, however, 
considering the habits of living of the times, quite as ade- 



REY. EBENEZER HILL. 27 

qiiate for that purpose, as the cempensatiou now paid gener- 
ally by country parishes to their clergymen. It was a matter 
belonging to the town, in its municipal capacity, to see that 
this sum was paid, which was done by levying and collecting 
a tax upon the poll and estates of all the inhabitants and 
land-holders in the town, except such as by the laws of the 
land were excused from the payment, by reason of their 
membership of other religious societies. 

According to the provisions of the charter, by which the 
title to the lands in the town was granted, see History of 
Mason, page 28, he would, in addition to the sum of seventy 
five pounds annual salary, be entitled to the use of the lands 
granted "for the use of the ministry"; but at the meeting 
held October 16, 1789, immediately after passing a vote to 
concur "with the church in giving Mr. Ebenezer Hill a call 
into the work of the Gospel Ministry," the town "Voted, To 
Reserve the Ministry Rite of land in this Town for the use of 
sd. Town." This assumption, on the part of the town, of the 
right to appropriate this land to any other use than that lim- 
ited in the original grant, was clearly without authority. The 
land was never the property of the town, and the town could 
grant no lawful title to it. It was not given to the town, but 
was reserved out of the grant, by the proprietors of the whole 
township, "for the use of the ministry." No action of the 
town could lawfully divert it from that use, or apply it to any 
other purpose ; much less could the town sell it, and give any 
valid title to a purchaser. No doubt, the fathers thought 
they had a right to do as they pleased with it. The land was 
subsequently sold by the town, and the proceeds paid into 
the town treasury, and applied to the ordinary town charges ; 
and thus a provision intended by the grantors of the town 
for the support of the ministry, was, in violation of law, at 
this early period, diverted from its original object, and, so far 
as that purpose was concerned, entirely lost. 

Of course, he was the servant, or in other words, the min- 
ister of the town ; all of the people had a right to attend on 



28 MEMOIR OF THE 

the public -w^orsliip as conducted by him, and for that purpose, 
ample provision was made, for the accommodation in the 
meeting house, without charge, of all Avho, for want of 
means, or other reasons, were not provided with pews, or 
seats in pews. There was no other society or meeting in 
town than his, for many years, except a small society of 
Baptists, composed of residents in this, and some of the 
neigh])oring towns, who had religious services a part of the 
time in town. He was expected to visit all in sickness and 
affliction, and attend to the burial of the dead. These ser- 
vices he considered it a part of his duty to do, and he per- 
formed them faithfully, at all seasons, postponing thereto all 
considerations of private business, convenience, or inclination. 
In the sick room and in the house of mourning, he was always 
received as a welcome visitor. His addresses and ministra- 
tions on funeral occasions, were remarkable for appropriate- 
ness, solemnity and tenderness. Many of his discourses on 
such occasions were, at the request of the friends of the 
departed, published, of which a list will be found at the close 
of this memoir. From the time of his ordination until he 
ceased to take any active share in parochial affairs, he kept 
an accurate record of all marriages by him celebrated, and 
also of the death of all persons occurring in the town, gener- 
ally with some indication of the disease and of the age of the 
decedent. Both these records are inserted in the History 
of Mason. 

But it is time to resume the narrative of his life and labors. 
Having found and united himself with a church and people, 
he forthwith proceeded to supply the next great want of a 
New England clergyman, a domestic household. This he 
formed, by uniting in marriage with Mary Boynton, of West- 
ford. They were married by the Rev. Samuel Dix, of Towns- 
end, February 2, 1791. As early as March of this year, he 
commenced a negotiation with John Bishop & Son, of Med- 
ford, for the purchase of the farm formerly owned by Capt. 
William Chambers, and then owned by these gentlemen. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 29 

This negotiation resulted in a purchase of the place, and he 
thus secured for himself a home, in which he spent all the 
remainder of his daj's. To this first purchase, he afterwards 
added, at different times, a meadow lot, a wood lot and a 
pasture, making in all' a productive and valuable farm. This 
was a fortunate proceeding on his part, as this farm rendered 
him, in a good degree, independent. The house was small. 
It was one of the oldest buildino-s in the town. It stood in 




5S: 



the garden, a little distance north and west of the present 
edifice. The first house on the farm, was built in the north- 
west corner of the old orchard, where the remains of the 
cellar, now mark the place. It was occupied many years as a 
tavern, by Samuel Abbott. It was the nearest dwelling to 
the old meeting house, and on occasion of town meetings, in 
the cold winter weather, the fathers would adjourn to Mr. 
Abbott's tavern, to warm up. The road then passed east of 
the site of the present buildings : a view of which is here 
presented. The wall on the west side of the old orchard, 
was the boundary of the road, which came into the road now 
travelled near the school house. The road leading to New 
Ipswich, left the road opposite Abbott's tavern, and making 
5 



30 MEMOIR OP THE 

a curve, came into the road as now travelled, on the site of 
the town house. 

About the year 1799, he commenced the erection of a 
comfortable and commodious dwelling, to which he removed 
in the year 1800. 

This mansion was built in the most substantial manner, in 
a fashion common at that day, though now seldom copied. 
The rooms are large and square, and in the internal arrange- 
ments, as well as outward appearance, it presents a marked 
contrast to the dwellings in the now prevailing fashionable, 
sharp, zigzag, multi-angular, modern style, in which the object 
of the architect seems to be, to multiply corners rather than 
comforts. In the frame, more timber was used, than would 
now be employed in the construction of five houses of the 
same size. The form of the roof, though perhaps, not the 
most convenient, is one that gives the greatest strength and 
power of resistance to tempests. This quality of the roof 
was severely tested, in the most violent tempest which has 
visited the coast of New England within the last hundred 
years, known and remembered as the September gale of 
1815. This gale, driving from the south-east, and meeting 
with nothing on its way from the ocean, to break its force, 
burst with its full power upon this dwelling. The two tall 
chimneys upon the southern side, were, by the force of the 
gale, at the same instant broken off, at the point where they 
issued from the roof, and fell with a thundering crash upon 
the roof, where shattered in peices, they lay till the storm 
abated, when it was found that the roof had escaped unin- 
jured, needing but a few shingles to be replaced, to make it 
perfectly sound; the weight of the falling mass having been 
received and sustained by the corner rafters of the roof. 
Such a mass of brick and mortar, thus falling upon a roof of 
the common form, would have broken it through, and exposed 
the whole roof, to be torn into fragments and carried away 
by the tempest ; leading, probably, to a total destruction of 
the edifice. 



REV. EBENEZEU HILL. 31 

The wood seen in this view, on the east, in rear of the build- 
ings, is a portion of the native forest, composed in great part 
of white oaks, hickories, chestnuts and pines ; among which, 
one of the monarchs of the original forest is conspicuous. 
This wood, he protected and cherished with great care, and 
it has now become one of the most valuable timber lots in 
the vicinity. 

By means of the farm, with the aid of his salary, he 
brought up and educated, in a respectable and creditable 
manner, a numerous family, and had always a seat at his 
board and fireside, and a spare couch for his brethren of the 
clergy, who were always made welcome, whether coming from 
near or distant parts, to his hospitality, and sent on their 
way, on their departure, rejoicing. Many a poor student on 
crossing his threshold, has felt that he was in a haven of rest 
and comfort. For such, he felt great sympathy, remembering 
that he was once himself, a poor student. 

It is proper here to state, that in some years he was 
in a great measure deprived of the benefit of his salary, 
by the facility with which he was induced to give orders, 
anticipating the payment of it in favor of persons, who 
applied to him for pecuniary aid, and who frequently made 
very inadequate retmuis to him for the aid so received. 

During the first twelve years of his ministry, there was 
nothing of a marked character exhibited, in the religious 
condition of his parish ; there were no revivals, and no indi- 
cations of any rapid changes among his people. The seed 
was carefully sown, but seemed to germinate slowly. The 
regular services of the Sabbath, were two long written 
sermons. There were but few meetings of any kind, during 
the week, except the lecture preparatory to the regular bi- 
monthly celebration of the Lord's supper. These discourses 
were delivered in a meeting house, in which no fire was ever 
found, however severe the winter weather might be. The 
first use of stoves for warming the meeting house, was in the 
wiuter of 1820-'21. 



32 MEJrOIR OF THE 

But if the first twelve years were not distinguished by 
success in his work, they were a period of singular and 
severe trials to himself, in his domestic relations, such as to 
leave their traces on his character ever after. With his first 
wife, he lived but three years and one month. She died 
March 2d, 1794, aged twenty-nine years. 

After a single life of a year and a half, he married 
(November 18th, 1795) Mrs. Rebecca Howard, widow of 
Samuel Howard, and daughter of Col. Ebcnczcr Bancroft, of 
Tyngsborough, Mass. But his house was soon again left des- 
olate. Consumption took from him the second wife July 2d, 
1797. She was twenty-six years and four months of age. 

On the 27th of September, 1799, he married Mrs. Abigail 
Stearns, widow of Edward Stearns, and daughter of Col. 
Timothy Jones of Bedford, Mass. With her he lived in great 
harmony and happiness, the remainder of his days, and she 
still lingers in lonely widowhood, at the home now desolate, 
where for many years, a numerous and happy family was 
gathered. 

These severe afflictions seem to have had an important 
influence upon his character; they gave him a capacity to 
appreciate scenes of sorrow, and enabled him to sympathize 
with, and console those who were in trial. 

It has already been remarked, that the first years of his 
ministry, were not distinguished by any particular and strik- 
ing indications of progress. It was a time of quiet labor, 
and preparation for future harvest. In a country community, 
receiving no accessions from abroad, and sending ofi" con- 
stantly, many of its most enterprising young people to the 
cities, and to Vermont and New York, the then distant West, 
the increase of the church, was usually slow and silent. 

In 1802, there was a revival season, which resulted in the 
addition of forty-four persons to the church. Again in 1812, 
there was another season of revival, by which twenty-five 
persons were brought into the church. From this time, until 
1826, no time of particular attention to religion, occurred. 



REV. EBENEZER HiLL. 33 

From time to time, persons united with the church, but no 
period of general interest was seen. 

In the year 1826-'27, there occurred a more general and 
powerful revival, than had ever been known in Mason. It 
was a genuine work of grace, and had immediate and perma- 
nent effects upon the church and town. Many who have been 
influential and decided christians, entered the church at that 
time. The season was one of constant and arduous labor 
for the pastor ; he preached almost incessantly on week days, 
in the school houses, and in the private houses of the town, 
and held frequent meetings for conference and inquiry, that 
he might know the state of all, and adapt his instructions to 
their condition. 

Rev. John Spaulding, who is pleasantly remembered for 
his participation in the labors of that season, has furnished 
some important items, respecting it. He says in a letter, 
''It was my privilege to be a co-worker with him, to witness 
the joy of the harvest, as he garnered the seed long before 
sown. How many scenes and incidents during that work, 
never to be forgotten ! That first prayer-meeting of the 
youth at the house of Mr. W., one of the daughters of the 
pastor, there being so impressed, that she went home to 
weep and to pray, and to give her heart to Christ, that very 
night. The many meetings for inquiry and prayer, in the 
pastor's house, meetings of weeping and joy ! I seem still 
to see the heaven-lighted countenance of the good pastor 
glow, as successively informed that one and another and 
another, perhaps the last and least expected, had given the 
heart to Christ." 

Several letters of his own remain, in which he gives many 
facts, concerning this deeply interesting work. From these 
letters, a better idea of that work can be formed, than from 
any other source, now accessible. The first of these, is a 
letter to his son in New York, dated Mason, March 15, 1826. 
An extract from which, is as follows: "It is with humble 
gratitude, that I can give you some intelligence more pleasing 



34 MEMOIR OP THE 

than I could have done a few weeks since. God is manifestly 
visiting this long barren spot, with some tokens of his 
special favor. There is, more than formerly, a degree of 
serious attention in some sections of the town, but it is not 
general. Religious meetings are frequent in some school 
houses. Some persons are now, under serious impressions, 
some greatly distressed, and a few, are already rejoicing in 
hope of salvation; and many others appear to listen and 
hear, with attention and feeling. **^*** **** j^as had 
a most distressing season for some weeks, so as not to attend 
to any work, but he appears to have found relief, and has a 
supporting hope. None have as yet, joined our church. We 
hope these arc but the first-fruits of a large harvest. The 
Lord in his mercy grant that I may be able soon to give you 
a richer account of the displays of his grace, among the 
people of Mason." The second letter, giving a fuller account, 
is as follows : 

Mason, May 1, 1826. 
My Dear Son : — My time is so much taken up attending 
meetings, preaching, &c. that I can spare but little for writing 
now, and as I scarcely know any thing that is doing on the 
farm, shall not attempt to tell you any thing concerning it or 
other worldly affairs. I attend one or more meetings every 
day in the week, except Saturday. The attention to religion 
yet increases. It first appeared in the westerly part of the 
town and has extended on to the east, like the progress of a 
cloud driven by the wind and shedding down rain. At pres- 
ent it seems confined to Mason in a great measure, if not 
entirely. You remember that a few years since, the neigh- 
boring towns had a refreshing shower, while not a drop fell 
on this barren spot. It seemed as if the very lines of the 
town were a barrier to the influences of the Spirit. I pray 
that the present refreshing cloud may spread over all our 
region. I have not ascertained exactly the nuni])er of hope- 
ful converts, but it is probably not much from eighty, in both 
societies, (the Congregationalist and Baptist.) Thus far the 



REV. EBENEZEE HILL. 35 

work has been different from what has been common in works 
of revival and reformation. It is principally among the mid- 
dle aged and heads of families, and the greater part of them 
men; comparatively few young men have yet been subjects of 
converting grace. It is devoutly hoped that where stubborn, 
irreligious heads of families are made to bow, there is a 
blessing in reserve for their children. I mourn to see so 
little effect on my own family. This day, the concert of 
prayer was attended, the fullest I have attended in Mason. 
After that, an enquiry meeting was held at my house ; more 
than forty persons present, not all enquirers. This evening, 
a very full conference, at J. Ws. I have noticed above, 
stubborn heads of families, but here remark, some of the 
most moral and regular, have been subjects of as deep and 
pungent conviction as any. Their names will convey to you 
all that is needful, to show you that the most moral and 
immoral, are included in this work of grace. **■??• 

I have mentioned these persons, to give you some view of 
the wonderful work. Several of these men I have named 
have their wives with them, either rejoicing in hope, or trem- 
blingly anxious. And I must name to you, as trophies of 
divine grace, the distinguished worldlings, ***-^ **** 
and *****-^ ****** -sf-^ I must not omit to men- 
tion your friend, W. B. He has had a long season of convic- 
tion, but has now a very comfortable, if not joyful hope. In 
short, the greater part of the people of the town, are unusu- 
ally thoughtful. It is late, and I am weary. I can write no 
more, only to commend you to God, and the riches of his 
grace, and devoutly pray that you may share, and your 
brothers and sisters, in the same divine mercy here displayed. 
From your Father, 

Eben^ Hill. 

The next letter written to the same son, further described 
the progress of the revival. 



36 MEMOIR OF THE 

Masox, January 12, 1827. 

Dear Sox : — * ""* * * As for news from this region, the 
report is, the general state of health is good. The weather 
has been very mild and open until Christmas, then we began 
to experience Christmas weather. The ground continued bare 
until new year's day, when a severe snow storm commenced, 
and now we have an old fashioned winter, snow sufficiently 
deep, and drifts sufficiently large. 

But to come to matters of more importance tlian all 
worldly concerns. The state and progress of religion, I think, 
is still promising in this town. After an apparent declension 
for some weeks, of the religious excitement and attention 
which had existed and been so powerful here, in some parts 
of the town, there is a manifest increased attention. There 
has been a short wintry season. Christians feared the work 
of grace was over. They were aifected to see the multitude 
left out of the ark, and, I believe, gave themselves to prayer. 
The church met once and again for conference, to enquire into 
their own state of feeling, and to search for the causes of the 
work of God declining. Their hopes now begin to revive. 
In some parts of the town, the meetings are full and solemn. 
Two new cases of deep concern, and at least of conviction 
of danger, have come to knowledge this week. The last 

week, Mr. , who has been wading in deep waters since 

last spring, fearing for himself, yet contending against God, 
has discovered that nothing was in the way of his salvation, 
but his own wicked, rebellious heart, and has joyfully bowed 
in submission. His difficulties all removed, so that he won- 
dered at them, and thought he could show every one the way 
so that they must see it. Alas ! he cannot make them open 
their eyes. I hope when I write to you again, I shall be able 
to write you more similar interesting facts. Through the 
goodness of God, we are all in health. 

From your affectionate Father, 

Eben'. Hill. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 37 

Three days later he wrote to his eldest son, residing in 
Tennessee. In the following extracts from this letter, some 
additional facts are stated. 

Mason, January 15, 1827. 

My Dear Children : — * * * * I have another reason 
however, for not writing many letters in the year that is 
passed. We have had a season of unusual religious atten- 
tion. The revival began in the winter, and for a time, very 
few, if any in all the town, were not unusually thoughtful and 
solemn. For six or eight months, I preached as often as 
once a day, or nearly, besides on the sabbath, and attended 
many other meetings. You must be sensible my time has 
been fully occupied, nevertheless, I have not forgotten, but 
daily remembered my absent, far distant children. ! may 
they be the happy partakers of that mercy and grace, which 
has been displayed here. We have received into the church, 
sixty-seven members. Above thirty have joined the Baptist 
church. Probably fifty more entertain hope in Christ. And 
although the work seems to have abated, new cases of seri- 
ous concern occur. Among those who have made profession 
of religion, are our principal young , married men, who are 
taking the places of their fathers, gone and going off the 
stage. Of my family, only Lucy has made a profession of 
religion. I hope the rest are not all without some well- 
grounded hope, of having chosen the better part. ! could 
I hear from my distant children, that they are wise for them- 
selves, this would indeed be good news from a far country. 
'Will you not each one, at my request, on the receipt of this 
letter, sit down and calculate what will be the real profit, to 
gain the whole world and lose the soul. Since the soul 
may be lost, and if lost, it is forever lost, every dictate of 
reason and prudence, urge to attend to the salvation of the 
soul, before any other concern. We may trifle with solemn 
subjects, we may frame or admit as forcible, arguments which 
may make us careless about our souls, or may quiet our 
minds, when but little moved, but so long as awake to our 
6 



38 MEMOIR OP THE 

eternal well-bein,£r, nothing l)ut liopc like an anchor, can sup- 
port us ; and ! eternity is near ! and as surely as God is 
holy, so must we be holy, to be happy in him. Consider, 
" Can two walk together, except they be agreed ? " After 
death, tliere can be no change until the judgment, the sen- 
tence then will be eternal. * * * * -sf 

From your afifectionate Father, 

Eben'. Hill. 

Such letters as these, show something of the rise and 
progress of this interesting work of grace, and also, exhibit 
the pastor's uprightness and skill in the work before him. 
The direct results of that revival, were the addition of 
eighty-six members to the Congregational church, and also, 
a large number to the Baptist church. Religious things were 
in a better state, for many years following that interesting 
season, than they had ever been in Mason. There were no 
new measures used, no protracted meetings in the more 
recent acceptation of that term, and not much preaching, 
except by the pastor, and Mr. John Spaulding, a young minis- 
ter, who was his particular assistant. There was no effort 
made to gather numbers into the church, but an earnest effort 
to have all the professed converts well indoctrinated, and 
thoroughly acquainted with practical religious truth. Time 
has given good evidence for the greater part of those con- 
verts, shewing that they were the children of grace ; they 
have been prominent in all the religious affairs of the town; 
from that time until the present ; they are now found the 
active members of the churches of Mason and other places, 
while some of them have gone home, leaving behind them 
evidence that they sleep in Jesus. 

In 1831, the report of the meetings held in Western New 
York under the name of "three days meetings," attracted 
attention abroad, and gave rise to the idea of having them in 
other sections, and on the 19th of April, 1831, a three days 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 39 

meeting was commenced in Mason. It was a new thing, and 
attracted much attention. Many persons who had not been 
in the habit of attending religious meetings, were induced to 
come where the gospel was preached, and there was a general 
attention to religion among all classes of people, for a time. 
Several persons were added to the church, apparently the 
fruits of this meeting and the state of things that followed it, 
but nothing like a general revival took place. 

In 1835, there was a time of religions interest, which 
resulted in the gathering of thirty-eight persons into the 
church. This was the last season of revival while Mr. Hill 
remained sole pastor of the church, and during this season, 
he was aided for several weeks, by a young man of very 
decided ability, but somewhat erratic, who did not always 
carry out the views of the pastor and the more judicious 
members of the church. 

These seasons of revival, were the most prominent points 
of the long pastoral life of the subject of this sketch ; they 
were the harvests of the seed sown in quietness, and watched 
and waited for with care, at times when no direct results 
were apparent. Such times and seasons, when free from 
sectarian zeal, and when they are, as these were, the out- 
growth of quiet, permanent influences, are the richest rewards 
of the pastor's life, seasons of his highest joy and most satis- 
factory labor, glorious harvest scenes, when the souls of 
men are gathered into the kingdom of God. Blessed is that 
minister, whose manner of preaching and course of life, is 
best adapted to induce and promote them. 

While attention should be directed to the seasons of 
revival in a particular manner, there are many things of a 
different character, details of common, practical life, that 
need to be given, in order to exhibit a distinct idea of a 
New England pastorship, and the general customs of that 
region during the period of his life. The customs of society 
are always silently changing, and the changes are, perhaps^ 
as manifest in religious things, as in any other. These 



40 MEMOIR OF THE 

changes, arc also better seen in reviewing the long life of a 
single individual, than in any other way. 

During Mr. Hill's life as a minister, the most remarkalole 
religious revolution that has ever been seen in New England, 
began, and passed on to its full development; it was the 
rise and progress of Unitarianism. The germs of this move- 
ment, are found much farther back, but there was nothing of 
it visible, for years after he began his active ministry. The 
Calvinism of the puritans, preserved the forms of its ancient 
life for many years after its spirit ceased to live in the heart 
of many of the churches. Few of the New England churches 
passed through the period of tlic war of the Eevolution, 
retaining their ancient doctrine and spirit entirely unchanged. 
But the development of principles is- always slow, and it was 
a long time before this departure from the ancient faith, 
became fully evident. The time at length came, when those 
holding doctrines so unlike as the Arminian or Socinian and 
Calvinistic, could no longer walk together in the same 
religious fellowship; division must take place. A large 
majority of the churches in that section of New England, 
were divided into parties, known as Orthodox and Unitarian. 
It was a time of difficulty and trial ; a time, when the ties 
that had bound neighbors and families for years in harmony, 
were to be violently sundered, and two churches, often hostile 
to each other, or at least, one party feeling that they had 
been deeply wronged, were found, where but one had been 
before. In this movement, the pastor of the church of Mason 
never was a prominent actor. His attachment to the Calvin- 
istic form of doctrine was strong, and his avowal of his sen- 
timents, bold and earnest ; but he was never in a position to 
become a partisan. 

Neither his natural disposition nor his habits of life, fitted 
him to be a polemic. In his own parish but little of the 
Unitarian element developed itself. The chui-ch at its organ- 
ization, declared itself to be Calvinistic, upon the basis of 
doctrines set forth in the Westminster Assembly's Catechism. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 41 

Sucli had always been the faith of its pastor, and in this faith 
the church and people had been carefully instructed. At 
an equal remove from the Arminianism of some of the 
churches in the region, and the Hopkinsiauism of others, 
this church had ever held, with its pastor, a middle ground ; 
not a middle ground of compromises and concessions, but of 
sound and rational interpretation and reception of doctrines. 
But although not called upon to meet and combat in his own 
parish, what he viewed to be erroneous doctrines, he could 
not look with indifference on the struggle which took place 
between the old and new doctrines in his neighborhood. In 
this controversy the rule he adopted and followed, was that 
to which he adhered through his long life, that is, first to 
ascertain what is duty, and then to the extent of his ability 
to do it, without passion, haste or undue feeling or excitement. 
In two of the adjoining towns, this disturbing element appear- 
ed, to the interruption of the ancient harmony and fellowship. 
In this contingency he, without hesitation, placed himself on 
the side of those who held to the ancient faith, and aided 
them by his council and services, and encouraged them to 
establish for themselves, a church organization, and the insti- 
tutions of public worship. 

In the first portion of his pastorship, the system of Sab- 
bath School instruction, as now practiced, was not known in 
this region. But though that important aid, now considered 
absolutely necessary to the well-being of every church, did 
not then exist, its place was in a good degree supplied, by 
the careful attention given to catechetical instruction. In 
this way, many minds were more thoroughly indoctrinated, 
than most are, who are taught in the Sabbath Schools of 
these days. The following extract, from a letter written by 
one trained in his congregation, gives a picture of the manner 
of instruction then pursued. 

"The last Sabbath of every month, I think it was, the 
children, not only of the church but of the parish, were 
gathered together, and seated on the long seats in front of 



42 MEMOIK OP THE 

the pulpit, the girls on the right hand, and the boys on the 
left of the broad aisle, to be catechised. Those were happy, 
pleasant times, I can assure you. Many happy faces were 
seen on catechising day, as it was called. This was all the 
real public, personal instruction the children received, when 
I was young ; and, in truth, it was a great and everlasting 
blessing, to botli parents and children; it was "line upon 
line, and precept upon precept," not soon to be forgotten." 

In this matter of the catechism, his precept and example 
coincided, for he was ever careful to train his own family, 
into a tliorough knowledge of its principles. His usual 
custom was, to assemble his whole family on Sabbath after- 
noon, after the second service, and go through the whole of 
the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, with great 
care, interfusing as he went, his own illustrations and com- 
ments. This was continued, until the youngest of his family 
had been trained through it. But although he was attached 
to the catechism, he hailed with joy the rise of Sabbath 
Schools. A Sabbath School was permanently established in 
his congregation, about the year 1816. At that time, he 
preached a sermon from Eccl. 11. 6: "In the morning sow 
thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand : for 
thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, 
or whether they both shall be alike good." The same person 
who has described his manner of catechetical instruction, also 
describes the introduction of Sabbath Schools, as follows : 
"Mr. Hill made several trials to have a Sabbath School, but 
failed, for want of suitable superintendents and teachers. 
Sometimes a few persons would collect together for a few 
Sabbaths, and recite verses of hymns, learned probably, 
years before at home, and a few chapters of the Bible, and 
then drop away one by one, as their stock of hymns wore 
away, and the novelty wore off. The first Sabbath School 
that was kept through the summer, was in 1816. * * * 
was the superintendent. Three or four females were found, 
who would go in and hear the children recite their lessons. 



EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 43 

It was the first Sabbatli School I ever attended. * ^ * 
would open the school with prayer, and then leave. Some- 
times he would return in season to close the school, and 
sometimes we would get tired of waiting, and leave for our 
dinner. The children had something set down to them, 
according to the number of verses recited, and when it 
amounted to one cent, a ticket was given. At the close of 
the school, the account was reckoned up, and a reward to the 
value of what each child had earned, was given. From the 
commencement of the Sabbath School, the [public] catechis- 
ing was given up." 

In his care for his people, Mr. Hill was an industrious 
pastor, watching closely every opportunity to interest and 
benefit them. The sick and the afflicted in every part of the 
town, and of every denomination and character, shared his 
parochial care. He considered himself the servant of the 
whole town, and felt bound to render them all the aid in his 
power. Whenever any accident or calamity occurred, he was 
among the first to be sent for, and often, on like occasions, 
he was called to neighboring towns. Many in town, who 
neither did anything for his support, nor attended his church, 
were sure to send for him in time of affliction. A careful 
observer of disease, his opinions and judgment respecting the 
condition and prospects of the sick, were often sought for, 
although he never in any way, intruded upon the physician's 
profession. A quiet self-possession which never forsook him, 
and a general knowledge of the common principles of physi- 
ology, enabled him often in cases of emergency to render 
useful services, one marked instance of which occurred at 
Townsend. It was on the occasion of the preparatory lec- 
ture, which he was to preach. The services had just com- 
menced, when a sudden shower arising the house was struck 
by lightning, and one of the worshipers was left apparently 
dead. It was a scene of confusion and dismay, in which no 
one seemed to know what should be done. He at once inter- 
fered and directed what should be done, and saw to the exe- 



44 MEMOIR OF THE 

cution of his orders, with so much promptness and efficacy, 
that the happy result was the perfect restoration to life and 
eventually to health, of the apparently lifeless sufferer. 

An incident illustrating the character of Mr. Hill, and 
shewing the confidence which was placed in him by his parish- 
ioners, is related thus : One of the members of his church, 
feeling himself aggrieved with his pastor, on account of some 
matters growing out of the politics of the day, made a com- 
plaint against him to the church, which resulted in the calling 
of a council, before which, the matter was to be laid. As 
the time for the hearing approached, the complainant found 
that it was necessary on his part, that the subject matter of 
his complaint, should be put in proper form, to be presented 
to the council. The brother, having exhausted his own skill 
in his efforts to draw up, and present his complaint in proper 
form, and not succeeding to his mind, finally brought his 
papers to his accused pastor, whom he was about to bring for 
trial before the council, and asked his aid in putting his accu- 
sation into proper form, which was readily and cheerfully 
given. It may be added, that the council, a large part of 
which, were the political friends of the complaining brother, 
after the hearing, by an unanimous vote, exonerated the pas- 
tor fully, from all the charges in the complaint. 

Thus time passed rapidly on, bringing the various changes 
related above, and Mr. Hill, leading a quiet and cheerful life, 
was silently growing old. In 1836, he was by far the oldest 
active pastor, in that region of country, and although appa- 
rently as well able to perform the duties of his office, as he 
had ever been, he proposed of his own accord, to his people, 
that they should select a young man as colleague with him, 
in the pastorship of the church, offering, at the same time, to 
relinquish his whole salary, in order that the younger man 
might receive a support. On this subject. Rev. John Spauld- 
ing, who was the one first written to by the church, to act 
as colleague, says "Sometime before he resigned, and before 
his people agitated that question, he called a public meeting 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 45 

of his people, and reminded them that he was growing old, 
expressed his willingness to resign, and suggested the 
appointment of a committee to nominate a successor. The 
committee was appointed, including himself as chairman. In 
behalf of the committee and the congregation, he addressed 
me on the subject, and after urging various reasons why I 
should leave a western for an eastern field of labor, he char- 
acteristically remarked, "I wish to resign my pastoral charge, 
now, while I am in full possession of my mental faculties, 
lest, in remaining longer, they become so impaired, I shall be 
unwilling to resign." The proposed arrangement was made 
in the most amicable manner, with the undiminished confi- 
dence and regard of all parties. Mr. Hill performed all his 
duties as before, until a colleague was found in the Rev. 
Andrew H. Reed, who was installed November the 23d, 
1836. 

A new society having been formed in connection with the 
church, a new meeting house was builtin 1837, leaving the 
old one to stand unoccupied, and Mr. Hill took leave of the 
place where he had spent so many happy Sabbaths. In his 
farewell sermon delivered in the old meeting house, in No- 
vember, 1837, on taking leave of that edifice, he declared of 
the pulpit in which he was then standing, " This is the dearest 
spot on earth to me." In this sermon, he reviewed the his- 
tory of the church, during the period of its occupancy of that 
house. It is thought that this sermon is worthy of preser- 
vation, and it is included among his discourses inserted in this 
volume. 

Mr. Reed remained until December 11th, 1839, when he 
was, at his own request, dismissed, and Mr. Hill again 
resumed his post as an active pastor, and continued his 
labors, until he was succeeded by his own son, Joseph Ban- 
croft Hill, who began his labors in August 1st, 1840, and was 
installed as co-pastor, October 20th, 1841. Mr. J. B. Hill 
remained, until preparations were made for the division of 
the church, for the purpose of forming the Mason village 
7 



46 MEMOIR OF THE 

cliurch, ia February, 1847, after wliicli at his own request, bis 
pastoral relation was dissolved, by the result of a council 
held April 22d, 1847. The church did not secure a perma- 
nent pastor, until 1851, when the Rev. J. L. Armes was 
installed as colleague with Mr. Hill, and he remained pastor 
until the decease of Mr. Hill. 

Mr. Hill was always fond of preaching. The gospel was 
to him, a great reality, and he was liappy in his work, as a 
herald of its glorious trutli. After his retirement from the 
active duties of his own parish, he still continued to preach, 
for many years. He preached regularly for some time in 
Sharon, and after the death of Rev. Mr. Tinker, of Ashby, 
he supplied the pulpit there, for a short time, but his most 
useful labors, were at Brookline. The church in Brookline 
was small, and disheartened by a series of untoward circum- 
stances. Their meeting house, which, like the first houses 
in all that section, was built by the town, passed from their 
control, and they were left, few in number, as sheep without 
a shepherd. In this condition, they spoke of disbanding, and 
scattering to other towns, for the purposes of worship, but 
Mr. Hill encouraged them to remain together, and offered to 
preach for them until they could secure a pastor. He encour- 
aged and aided them in their efforts to build a meeting house 
of their own, remaining with them as pastor, preaching in the 
school houses of the town. Soon after their house was com- 
pleted, he met with a recent graduate of Andover, who was 
not then employed, and he was so much pleased with him, 
that he engaged him to preach for a single Sabbath, in Brook- 
line, and he was there and heard him. So confident was he, 
that God had sent them the right man, at the right time, he 
at once informed the church that he should preach for them 
no more, and urged them to secure the services of the candi- 
date without delay. They followed his advice, and the result 
was the settlement of the Rev. Daniel Goodwin over that 
church, and time has fully shown the wisdom of the choice. 
Mr. Goodwin in a letter to the writer, says "It was through 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 47 

liis (Mr. Hill's) agency alone, that I came to occupy this 
post." 

In the year 1839, and again in 1840, Mr. Hill was elected 
by the town, a representative to the state legislature, and 
served as such, in the sessions of those years. He was never 
a political partisan, but he was firm and decided in his politi- 
cal views, and was well known as an advocate of the general 
policy of the whig party. While in Concord, he wrote to 
his youngest son, June 16th, 1839, "It has fallen to me, to 
perform the duty of chaplain, most of the time. Some of 
the members of the house, were opposed to having prayers 
by any person, yet there Was a good majority for it, and it 
was determined that the service should be performed by the 
clergymen belonging to the house. When the search was 
made, it was found there were but two in the house, myself, 
and Mr. Whitaker of Weare, (a Free Will Baptist.) We 
have leave to invite others to perform with us." The follow- 
ing letter was written from the house of representatives, to 
the same son, then a member of Dartmouth College. 

Concord, June 20th, 1840. 

My Son : — I received yours by Mr. B , and was glad to 

hear of your health. I spent last Sabbath at home, and can 
inform you that all the family were then well. This week 
has hitherto been a noisy week; and I have been much 
wearied with it. I do not attempt to describe to you, the 
scenes of Wednesday. It has been calculated, that not less 
than seven thousand men formed and marched on to the hill 
in procession ; and I should judge there were as many in the 
streets, and on the hill, as in the procession. There was 
speaking in abundance. General Wilson took up at least 
two hours, in a continued strain of eloquence. Our session 
is short, it will close Saturday morning. It has, on the 
whole, been a quiet and peaceable session ; nothing of a very 
exciting nature has come forward, to stir up bad feelings. I 
send you a small sum of money, which I hope will be a 
supply for your present wants. I have full confidence that 



48 MEMOIR OF THE 

you do, and that you will, use all the economy, that is neces- 
sary for a poor scholar to use. But I most earnestly desire, 
that while you are cultivating the mind, and laboring to fit 
yourself for usefulness, you will have great watchfulness over 
your heart, and strive to grow in grace. Ambition for dis- 
tinction as a scholar, has often proved detrimental to spirit^ 
ual improvement ; your only safety is in continued prayer. 

*■ * -Sf •«■ -{f * 

From your Father, 

Eben''. Hill. 

At this time occurred an incident of a domestic character, 
which will long be remembered by his family ; it was the 
meeting of his whole family, for the first and only time* 
Mr. Hill had a numerous family of children, and they were 
early and widely scattered from their father's house. The 
eldest left home, and settled in Fayetteville, Tennessee, 
before the birth of the youngest, and he did not revisit the 
place of his birth, mitil the youngest had grown up to man- 
hood. In July, 1844, there was a meeting of all the living 
children, ten in number, at their father's house. It was a 
time of the deepest interest to all parties, of joy to the 
parents, at the sight of long absent children, pleasure among 
the children, of forming acquaintance with those they knew 
and loved by report, but who were strangers in fact. 

The time spent together by the family, was quite short. 
The intercourse was most cheerful and social, but partook 
largely of a religious character ; and the father threw a hal- 
lowed feeling of calm religious reverence, into his most com- 
mon actions. The worship around the family altar, the visits 
at diff"erent places, were all full of tenderness, and cheerful 
religious emotion. After a few days spent together, the com- 
pany separated, each to his home, and never met again. 

Mr. Hill retained all his faculties, both of body and mind, 
with a good degree of activity, until about the year 1846, 
when he began perceptibly to fail in both. There was no 
sudden change, but a gradual decline of all his powers. His 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 49 

health was good, but his strength was wasting away, his 
memory was broken, and his mind ceased to act with its 
accustomed vigor. It was the decline that knows no restora- 
tion; the shadows of evening, precursors of the sunset of 
life. About the last of 1851, the childhood of extreme old 
age began to come over him. There was little of sickness, or 
apparently of pain, but a gradual wasting away of strength, 
until about the middle of May, 1854, when, in consequence of 
having taken a slight cold, there was induced a low stage of 
fever, under which he suffered until the 20th day of May, 
1854, when he quietly fell asleep. His exit from the scenes 
of time, was perfectly calm ; there was not a struggle or a 
groan ; his breathing grew difficult, short, and with intervals 
between each respiration, until it gently ceased forever. He 
slept in Jesus, on the morning of the 20th day of May, 1854, 
an old man, full of days. His age was eighty-eight years, 
three months, and twenty-one days. 

On the 23d, his funeral took place. He was followed to 
the grave by a great concourse of relations, friends and 
parishioners. The day was calm and bright, in which he was 
laid to rest. The mild sunshine of spring fell upon the 
world of nature bursting into life ; the trees and shrubs, many 
of which planted by his own hand, bordered the road leading 
from his dwelling to the graveyard, awaking from the death 
and sleep of winter to the bloom and verdure of spring, 
were emblems fit of the resurrection that awaits the good, 
after the winter of the grave. On such a day he was borne 
to his resting place, into which he had seen all but a few 
scattered surviving remnants of his original congregation, 
one after another, gathered. It was fitting that he too should 
slumber there, pastor and people together, until the final 
morning hour. Of the large concourse which followed him 
to the grave, few had known him before the meridian of life, 
and fewer still had witnessed his ordination day. But one 
person, who was a member of the church when he was 
ordained, survived him ; and the church of this day is com- 



60 MEMOIR OF THE 

posed mainly of the children and grandchildren of those 
who were his people then. 

Thus within sight of the dwelling he had so long occupied, 
was he left to repose, in the ancient graveyard ; " the garden 
of the dead," which in his latter years, he was wont frequent- 
ly to visit, and there to spend the declining hours of the 
summer afternoon, calling up to recollection, the forms of 
the departed sleeping there ; his family, his parishioners, his 
neighbors and intimate friends of two entire generations, 
whom he had attended to this, their last resting place, and 
whose company he was shortly expecting, and patiently wait- 
ing to join. 

The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. A. W. Burn- 
ham, of Rindge ; the successor of his own venerated instruc- 
tor, and for many years, a valued personal friend. The 
following extract from this discourse, exhibits the view there- 
in presented of the personal and professional character of 
the deceased. 

"As a man, our departed father was small in stature, but 
of a firm, vigorous, well constituted frame, of sound constitu- 
tion, he enjoyed remarkable health, till overtaken by the 
infirmities of old age. It is a singular fact, that for fifty 
years he was detained from public worship, but two Sabbaths. 
Exceedingly amiable in his disposition, moderate in his tem- 
perament, a mind well balanced, conceptions clear, reasoning 
powers of no mean order, with no inconsiderable degree of 
shrewdness, he had a large share of that quality so much 
needed, but unhappily not possessed by every minister : good 
common sense, sense that could be used for good in the exi- 
gencies of life. In his deportment, grave, as befitting a min- 
ister of Christ, gentlemanly and courteous in his bearing, he 
was instructive in conversation, familiar and pleasant in all 
social intercourse, in the family, among his people, and his 
brethren. 

In his domestic relations, true-hearted, kind and careful, 
he aimed to fulfil every conjugal and parental duty, in the 



EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 51 

fear of God, and with a conscientious regard to the highest 
welfare of the numerous household, of which he was the 
head. 

"As a christian, he appears to have had deep experience in 
spiritual graces. Profoundly reverent of God and sacred 
things, he was imbued with love to God, his house, people, 
word and worship, submissive in trials, patient in tribulation, 
rejoicing in hope, and relying on Christ alone for acceptance, 
he aimed and was enabled to maintain a devout walk with 
God. As a theologian he was sound in the faith, holding the 
system of doctrines, usually denominated Calviaistic, as set 
forth in the Assembly's Catechism. 

" As a preacher, plain, effective and impressive, he set forth 
with simplicity and earnestness, in the mode and style of the 
generation to which he belonged, the doctrines of the gospel 
in their true aspects and bearings, always careful to engraft 
upon them, the enforcement of practical godliness, as their 
genuine fruit. 

" In his pastoral intercourse and duties, our reverend father 
set an example worthy to be imitated by all who hold the 
same office. Deeply interested in all that affected the wel- 
fare of his people, he was affectionate yet faithful, and having 
drunk deeply of the cup of affliction himself, he was able and 
ready to sympathize with his people, and administer to them 
the same consolations wherewith he himself was comforted, 
of God. And as he watched for souls, as one that must give 
an account, God gave him success in his ministry. While 
under his regular ministrations, the children of God were 
nourished up unto eternal life, and sinners were occasionally 
gathered into the fold ; several seasons of spiritual refresh- 
ing, more or less general in their extent, and abundant in 
their fruits, were enjoyed. In those days, the pastor rejoiced, 
labored and prayed with a diligence, fervency and faithfulness 
becoming a minister of the gospel, and evincing the tender 
concern he cherished, for the spiritual welfare of the flock 
over which the Holy Ghost had made him overseer. In a 



52 MEMOIR OP THE 

word, he was a good minister of Jesus Christ, one who 
studied to show himself approvecl of God, a workman that 
needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
truth." 

One of his brethren in the ministry of a neighboring town, 
and who, in point of age, approached the nearest to the 
deceased, writes of the deceased, "He was a man of good 
intellectual powers, well educated, and his mind was well 
stored with theoretical and practical knowledge. He might 
have filled almost any department in public life, with credit 
and usefulness." Another, whose acquaintance with him 
commenced after old age had gently laid its hand upon him, 
writes as follows : "Were I to speak of him in general terms, 
I should say, he was distinguished for a somewhat rare, yet 
exceedingly desirable combination of qualities, which ren- 
dered him agreeable and instructive to all parties, gave him a 
peculiar ease and familiarity, and at the same time, a decis- 
ion, energy, dignity, and solemnity, which are rarely found in 
the same person. 

Children were always interested in him, and I think none 
would be disposed, as is sometimes the case, to shun his 
presence, for his manner and conversation were admirably 
fitted to place them at their ease, and secure their confidence. 
He possessed, for certainly he exhibited, a gi'eat amount of 
kind, social, benevolent feeling. His house was always a 
welcome home for clergymen, and for others who sought his 
aid and direction. I have said he was an old man, when I 
first became acquainted with him, but I would rather say, that, 
in a most important sense, he was never old. He certainly 
kept up with the spirit and enterprize of the age if he did 
not go before it, and kept himself thoroughly versed in rela- 
tion to all questions of doctrine and practice, and adapted him- 
self with great ease and propriety, to the occuring changes and 
exigencies. Thus by keeping up his acquaintance with these 
matters till the last, he was always a warm friend of younger 
brethren in the ministry, and was always regarded by them 



REV. EBEKEZER HILL. 53 

as a father in affection and interest. Hence too, his services, 
after he had ceased to be the active pastor of his own church, 
were frequentl}^ sought, and highly prized by the neighboring 
churches. * * As a pastor, as far as I can judge, and I 
speak in part from what I have felt, he had few equals. It 
was my privilege, when a beloved wife was lingering under a 
fatal disease, through ten long months, to enjoy his frequent 
calls, and well do I recollect how much these visits were 
prized, not only by myself, but by her whose spirit was 
ripening and longing for heaven." On this subject also, Mr. 
Spaulding has said, " What a father and friend was he, in the 
house of mourning ! how appropriate his addresses and ser- 
mons, how specific and well suited his prayers ! and how sym- 
pathetic his heart in the sick room, and on funeral occasions." 

There was much of tender earnestness in his addresses at 
the celebration of the Lord's supper, and in all things con- 
nected with the examinations for admissions to the church. 
He loved to dwell on those themes, that are peculiarly appro- 
priate to the communion season ; they were ever new to his 
taste, and sources of deep emotion, which he manifested in 
his addresses at such times. 

A lady who united with his church quite early in life, thus 
writes on that subject: "Do you remember the day when 
we were examined for admission to the church, at the old 
meeting house ? There was one little incident connected 
with it, which I shall ever remember. As my name was 
called, and I started tremblingly up the broad aisle with but 
little thought that I should be accepted, the pastor met me, 
and as he took my brief "experience" from my hand, said, 
with his kindest look and tone, "We love to see the lambs 
come." How assured I felt. It seemed as if the Good Shep- 
herd was speaking to me through him. I always love to 
remember that I united with the church, when he was the 
only pastor." 

Mr. Hill was in his person small, not much exceeding in 
stature five feet, but perfectly symmetrical in his limbs and 



54 MEMOIR OF THE 

proportions, quick and active in his movements, of a cheerful 
temperament, frugal and temperate in his habits, industrious 
and economical in worldly affairs. He enjoyed through his 
long life, a remarkable degree of health and exemption from 
sickness and pain, having never been confined to his bed for 
the space of twenty four hours, until his last sickness, less 
than one week before his death. "With small means, he 
brought up, in a respectable style, his numerous family, all of 
whom were trained to habits of industry and constant em- 
ployment, to which they owe their success in life. He care- 
fully and sedulously accustomed them all, in early life, to im- 
prove all leisure time in reading useful and instructive books, 
a taste and habit which they have great reason to thank him 
for implanting and cultivating at that early period. He never 
had the means to acquire an extensive library, but he had 
many rare and valuable books, among which were the works 
of William Perkins, of whom Fuller quaintly says, '^He had 
a capacious head with angles winding, and roomy enough in 
which to lodge all controversial intricacies," of Owen and other 
puritan divines of the age of Cromwell, some of the works 
of Baxter, of Bishop Patrick, of John Newton, and of the 
pioneers of the NewEngland churches, Richard Mather, Samuel 
Shepherd, John Wise of Ipswich, " the simple cobbler of Aga- 
wam," Increase and Cotton Mather, and Edwards. These, 
with the social library, a small but well-selected collection, 
which he was instrumental in forming about the year 1802, 
were his sole reliance in the way of literature. It is a ques- 
tion well worth propounding, which deserved best of their gen- 
eration, those who collected the social library and for more 
than thirty years used it and preserved it in good condition, 
or those who sold and scattered it to the four winds of 
heaven. His literary taste was sound and correct. His style 
of writing, was plain and simple, free from ornament ; the 
substance of his discourses was direct and practical. 

Of the English poets, Milton, Pope, Young, and Cowpor, 
were his favorite authors. But with him, the book of books 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 55 

Was the bible. To it, lie always appealed. From it, all his 
illustrations and proofs were drawn. His habits of study 
were little methodical. The subject upon which he was to 
preach, would be thought over in his own mind during the 
week, but generally, he would not commence writing until 
Saturday. Then his discourses, both for forenoon and after- 
noon upon the same text, would be fully written out, but 
often not until late in the night of Saturday. When compos- 
ing his discourses, he had the power of abstraction, in an 
unusual degree ; so that when seated by the cheerful fire, of 
a Saturday evening, surrounded by his family, uninterrupted 
by their conversation or employments, he would pursue the 
train of thought induced by the subject selected, and follow 
it with a speedy pen, with as much regularity and composure 
as if in the recesses of the most retired study. 

Although his public discourses were all carefully pre- 
pared and written out, he was by no means deficient in the 
power of ready and forcible extemporaneous discourse. 
This was often witnessed on funeral occasions, and in meet- 
ings for conference upon religious topics. On these last 
occasions, frequently taking a passage of scripture, sometimes 
a part, or the whole of a chapter, reading it verse by verse, 
he would accompany the reading with an extemporaneous 
commentary and explanation, which would be pertinent, apt 
and profitable to the hearers. Such meetings were his delight. 
He attended them constantly and regularly, till the physical 
and mental disability attendant on old age, deprived him of 
the power so to do. And, in the last years of his life, when 
his mental power was broken, and his mind was often wan- 
dering, he would many times on a winter's evening, when the 
household work was done, and his family, then reduced to a 
small number, were seated by the parlor fire, fancy himself in 
the conference room, and commence an exhortation in a quiet, 
low, indistinct tone of voice, and continue it for the space of 
half an hour or more ; then having closed and dismissed his 
meeting, he would rouse up and remark that it liad been a 



56 MEMOIR OF THE 

very plcasaut meeting, and enquire whether a goodh' number 
had attended. 

He was not fitted l)j nature, nor trained by habit to be a 
pioneer. He seldom sought out of his own accord, new 
paths. He was content to walk in the old and trodden ways, 
but still, he was always ready to welcome and further all 
new movements which he judged tended to the improvement 
and benefit of the human family. As such, lie gave a ready 
and hearty welcome to the temperance movement, which has 
produced in many places, such immense good. The habit of 
using ardent spirits as a beverage, was universal in his early 
life, and until he had passed the meridian of life, he never 
thought it a duty to abstain, or that the indulgence of the 
habit was dangerous. The same was the case, with all the 
clergy of his day, and indeed of all the gentry, and it may be 
said of all the people. Some of the clergy of his acquain- 
tance fell victims of this indulgence, and the wonder is, not 
that here and there one was swept away by the demon, but 
that all did not go down. 

These warning examples produced no effect; but when the 
public mind was aroused to the consideration of this evil, he 
at once saw, as every man of sense must see, that the only 
safe rule, was total abstinence. He readily adopted it, and 
from that time to the close of his life, a period of some 
twenty-five or thirty years, strictly practiced total abstinence 
from all intoxicating liquors. He also abandoned the use of 
tobacco, to which lie had been addicted from early life. He 
was ready to testify to the perfect safety of the immediate 
adoption of total abstinence in both cases, and to the happy 
effect of the reformation, whether regard be had to peace and 
comfort, either physically or mentally considered. 

Another instance of the readiness with which he saw, and 
appreciated the importance of new movements, first brought 
forward by others, has already been stated on page 42, in 
regard to the introduction of a new system of sabbath school 
instruction. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 67 

In the sermon there referred to, he directed the attention 
of his people to the importance of the early education of 
children, in matters of religion, and in the knowledge of the 
scriptures, and urged them to new and more persevering 
efforts in that direction ; and from that time, so long as he 
was able to take any part in this portion of christian duty, 
he devoted a large share of his time, to the sabbath schools ; 
and he left among his papers, at his decease, manuscript ques- 
tions carefully prepared by him for his own use, as a sabbath 
school teacher, embracing the whole circle of sabbath school 
instruction, usually undertaken in his parish. His last efforts 
as a religious teacher, were bestowed upon the children of his 
parish. 

This summary of his life and character cannot be better 
concluded, than with the closing sentences of a notice of him, 
published soon after his death, in The Congregationalist. " In 
his later years especially, he was accustomed to spend several 
•hours each day, in reading the Bible and in communion with 
his Savior. His humility was manifest, and also his love of 
the sanctuary. To him " Christ was all," and self was mor- 
tified and forgotten. His regard for his church was ever the 
same, he cherished for it an undeviating affection. Between 
him and his colleagues, there was perfect harmony. He 
never gave them the least trouble. The ruling purpose of 
his mind showed itself, amid all his infirmities. Often when 
he was unable to preserve the sequence of his thoughts on 
ordinary subjects, and when he scarcely knew whether it was 
morning or evening, he would offer prayer in a perfectly 
coherent manner, as if his family were gathered around him. 
The christian graces all seemed to be ripe in him, years 
before his exit, and he "came to his grave in a full age, like 
as a shock of corn cometh in his season." 

" Soldier of Christ well done, 
Praise be thy new employ, 
And while eternal ages run, 
Rest in thy Sayior's joy." 



.^^^ ^(^, 



\7/^^ ^-.-^^^z..^ Jf^^ 











~^ JLy ^Zt>u -t^i^y 'ix^aj 








A SERMON, 



PREACHED IN THE OLD MEETING HOUSE, IN MASON, NOVEM, 
BER, 1837, 

ON THE OCCASION OF THE REMOVAL BY THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY, OF 
THEIR FLACE OF WORSHIF, TO THE NEW MEETING HOUSE, 

BY THE REV. EBENEZER HILL. 



DEUT. XXXII. 7. 
Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. 

When Moses had conducted the children of Israel, God's 
chosen people from Egypt, through the great and terrible 
wilderness to the very borders of Canaan, and was informed 
that the time was just arrived, that he should leave them and 
be gathered to the great congregation of the dead, by divine 
direction he gathered the people together, and rehearsed in 
their ears the great things God had done for them, and put 
them in mind of their many provoking sins and acts of 
rebellion, and of the many judgments God brought on them 
and their fathers for their sins and provocations, and also, 
the great mercy of God in sparing them. And when he had 
written the history of the law to be deposited in the sacred 
ark, by the same divine command, he was led to compose a 
hymn or song, comprehending the important facts in their 
past history, likewise containing many predictions of future 
events. This was designed for them to commit to memory, 
and to be often rehearsed and sung, that so they might never 
forget them. Here we see how important it is, in the sight of 
God, that men should retain the knowledge of his mighty 
acts, and remember his mercies and his judgments. He 



60 MEMOIR OF THE 

knew their liability to forget even the most remarkable and 
solemn scenes and events, and provided a help against this 
sinful infirmity, by having such facts as would excite the 
young to enquire about them, and keep the recollection of 
them ever fresh in their own memory, embodied in a popular, 
familiar song. This was the most effectual way of diffusing 
the knowledge, and preserving the memory of remarkable and 
solemn events which could be before the art of printing was 
discovered, and consequently when books would be scarce. 

This is the only way in which unlettered nations can, or 
do preserve, any fragments of their history ; even by embody- 
ing them in their songs, and tlius handing them down from 
generation to generation. God not only took care thus to 
preserve the history of his church and his dealings with his 
people and their enemies, but also in the very same way incul- 
cated the duty of charging the memory with these truths, and 
meditating on them much. Hence, whenever they repeated this 
song, they would of course repeat the command to " Remem- 
ber the days of old, and consider the years of many genera- 
tions." They are cautioned, that it is not enough for them to 
admit the facts related by their fathers, and treasure them up 
in their memory, but it is requisite, that they frequently call 
them up and cause them to pass before their minds, and make 
them subjects of deep thoughtfulness and meditation. From 
the words following the text, it is manifestly a duty to enquire 
after and seek to obtain knowledge of what God has wrought 
in ancient times and in later days. It is added to the text, 
'•' Ask thy Father and he will shew thee, your Elders and they 
will tell thee." It is a solemn and important duty of us all, 
to make ourselves acquainted with the history of the days of 
old, as far as we can, aud that we frequently revolve in our 
minds the events of past generations. This was certainly 
the case with the children of Israel, and we should remember 
that God addresses us in the same language that he did them. 
" Remember the days of old, consider the years of many gen- 
erations :" and ignorance or forgetfulness in us of the most 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 61 

wonderful and remarkable events of very ancient or of more 
modern times, would be very inexcusable. For we have the 
bible, which will carry back the mind to the very beginning 
of time, and we have richly the means of obtaining knowl- 
edge of civil and ecclesiastical history, in this day and land 
of books and general education. This is required as a duty, 
not only in the text, but in many other places, in plain and 
positive language ; and it is designed and calculated, as all 
other duties are, to promote our spiritual and moral edifica- 
tion, and comfort. 

In further pursuing the subject, I shall call your attention, 

1st. To some things we may see as included in the requi- 
sition, "Eemember the days of old." 

2d. To some of the advantages, which may result from 
the due remembrance and the contemplation of the days of 
old, and the years of many generations. 

I. The remembrance of the days of old ; things to be 
remembered and studied. Here I can name but few, and 
dwell upon none of them, as their importance requires. The 
things to be remembered and studied I name as included : 

1st. The whole history of redemption, from the first inti- 
mation of mercy to fallen man, down to the full completion of 
the great work of redemption, by the actual sufferings of 
the divine Redeemer, and ascension of the Son of God. 

Whatever other events may be correctly related, constantly 
remembered and carefully studied, if this be not in some 
measure remembered, and do not engage our solemn con- 
sideration, we shall only have the more splendid way down 
to eternal death. It would have been better for us, never to 
have had an existence, nor to have known what great things 
God has wrought for sinners, than for us to disregard the 
divine command, in this respect. 

2d. Among the things included in the days of old, and to 

be remembered, we may see as included, the constant and 

unchangeable care which Christ has ever taken of his church, 

and the protection he has afforded to individual saints, and 

9 



62 MEMOIR OF THE 

the wouclcrful deliverances he lias effected for them, in sea- 
sons of the greatest perils and sufferings. Often has the 
church been brought low, exceedingly low, and the enemies 
have thought that they had prevailed, but the Lord has 
brought deliverance, and given the triumph to his distressed 
people. And we should remember the instances of his faith- 
fulness with individuals, when he has borne with them, and 
carried them through severest trials ; though they have passed 
through the water, it has not overflowed them, and though 
they have passed through the fire, it has not consumed them. 

Wonderful indeed have been many instances, where God 
has wrought for his saints, when all other hope was gone, and 
these are recorded that we may remember and meditate on 
them. 

3d. Again, the many instances wherein God has brought 
sore judgments upon his church and people, and individual 
saints, for their sins, are to be remembered by us. They are 
recorded, that we may know them well, and be admonished ; 
for examples, we have the histories of David, Hezekiah, and 
others. 

4th. Again, the things to be remembered of old, are the 
remarkable judgments God has brought upon his enemies, and 
the enemies of his people ; such, for instance, as upon Egypt, 
Pharaoh and his host, and upon Babylon. We may also, 
especially on this day, view as included among the things of 
old to be studied, the events of divine Providence in which 
we are directly or individually concerned, such as : 

1st. The preparation of our forefathers to leave their 
native land, their pleasant dwellings and possessions, in order 
that they might have the gospel in its purity, and worship 
God according to the dictates of their consciences, and 
especially, in preparing an asylum for them in this land, so 
shortly before unknown to the old world. Here God planted 
his choice vine, and caused it to take root and bear fruit, 
once glorious fruit, however since degenerated. The kind- 
ness of the Lord to our forefathers, the deliverances be 



EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 63 

wronglit for them, when foes rose up against them, and the 
blessings he bestowed upon all their labors, until a little one 
had become a great nation ; these are all of them, things of 
old, which are to be remembered, and which ought to be 
studied, until our hearts are filled with gratitude and praise. 

2d. There are many things in the history of our own life, 
though it be short, and in the events which have led on to the 
circumstances in which we are placed this day. Our child- 
hood and youth, our manhood and age, have not passed away, 
without many dispensations of Providence, which call for our 
continued remembrance, with deep feelings of gratitude, holy 
joy, and lively praise. The history of this town and of this 
church, with all the train of events, which have led to the 
circumstances in which we are placed this day, contains many 
things, which call for our lasting remembrance, and solemn 
meditation. In them, Ave may trace the leadings of divine 
Providence, and though on a smaller scale, yet more remark- 
able, because so much nearer to us. 

II. I proceed to invite your attention to some of the 
advantages resulting from the continued remembrance, and 
due consideration of past events. And it is believed to be 
capable of proof, that historical facts, especially those which 
are contained in the bible and the late history of the church, 
teach us most conclusive lessons of wisdom, and the most 
solemn, remarkable, alarming, and profitable truths. If we 
remember and consider well, the whole history of redemp- 
tion, we shall learn that there is, and can be but one possible 
way of escape for sinners, from the just, though tremendous 
wrath of God. The dispensations of God against the wicked, 
as well as his faithfulness and truth to those who fear 
his name and believe his promises, occur on every page. 
The first hope that sinful man could ever indulge, was 
grounded on the promises to the woman's seed; the display 
of divine anger against stubborn sinners, in the days of old, 
is sufficient to make those fear, who are not in the way in 
which sinners may come into the favor of God. ! what 



64 MEMOIR OP THE 

proofs does the history of the world give of the prevalence 
of sin, and of its hatcfulness to a holy God. If we look 
througli the days of old, to the very morning of time, we see 
death reigning over all, in that all have sinned, for the wages 
of sin is death. In every view we take of the days of old, 
we see the evil of sin, and the dreadful consequences of 
apostasy from God. The whole history of redemption con- 
tained in the bible, when it is seriously contemplated, goes to 
teach the wicked world, that vain is the cifort to prevail 
against, and overturn the church of God. How has God 
swept away whole and mighty nations, when they have risen 
up against his little flock ! How solemn a call is this on 
sinners, to accept his mercy ! We may learn some of the 
special benefits of remembering the days of old, and of 
acquaintance with ancient times, from many cases related in 
the bible ; and the special benefit to be obtained thereby, is 
to be seen. Thus, is the church in a low, depressed, or 
oppressed state ; are christians borne down with troubles, 
discouraged, and ready to faint ; let them remember the days 
of old, &c., and they will find facts, which may strengthen 
their faith, and encourage tlieir hope. Thus it was with the 
Psalmist, as related in the seventy-seventh Psalm. He had a 
season of darkness and sore trial, and was almost ready to 
despair of the mercy of God ; but when he remembered the 
days of old, the years of ancient times, when he called to 
mind his song in the night, and on his having made diligent 
search, he was led to ask, will the Lord cast off forever ? 
Can such a thing be ? Will he be favorable no more ? Is his 
mercy clean gone forever ? Do his promises fail ? Hath God 
forgotten to be gracious ? Such desponding, unbelieving 
thoughts had troubled him. But how did he check himself, 
and recover a tranquil state ; yea, a state of holy joy, by 
calling to mind what God had done of old. His language is, 
"I said this in my infirmity," and instead of yielding to such 
despondency, he said, "I will remember the years of the right 
hand of the most High, I will remember the works of the 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 65^ 

Lord, I will remember the wonders of old ;" and we find Mm 
soon speaking the language of praise. This is the benefit 
that the people of God may derive, from remembering the 
days of old, when they are by any means brought low. Here 
they may take courage. 

Again, when Moses would keep the people low in their own 
ininds, and grateful to God for all his wonders of mercy and 
favor, he called upon them to " remember that thou wast a 
servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God 
brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and a stretched 
out ar^." If we would call to mind past events, and even go no 
further back than our own experience, we should remember our 
once totally ruined state, our state of slavery in sin, and how 
we owe all to divine mercy, if we are not now in worse than 
Egyptian bondage. If any thing in the world can humble us 
and hide pride from us, this would do it, and this is the 
great good received. And when he would bring them to deep 
repentance and continued humility, he charged them " remem- 
ber and forget not, how ye provoked the Lord your God to 
wrath in the wilderness, from the day when ye departed 
out of the land of Egypt, until ye came into this place ye 
have been rebellious until this day." And when he would 
inspire them with courage to face their enemies and attempt 
arduous duties to which they thought themselves not able, he 
thus called upon them, " Thou shalt remember what the Lord 
did unto Pharaoh and unto all Egypt." 

Such benefits may result to us from proper meditation, on 
the years of many generations gone by. And the more we 
acquaint ourselves with the history of this nation and the 
Church of Christ contained in it. And the more frequently 
we call to mind, and the more closely we meditate on the 
dealings of God ; the more we shall find to humble us and 
bring us to repentance, to incite in us gratitude and a desire 
to make returns for unmerited kindness. And to these mar- 
velous events we have not time to advert. Many circumstan- 
ces conspire to call our attention to know what to some would 



66 MEMOIR OP THE 

be tilings of many generations, things transacted long before 
their birth, and to some few, although they are things in which 
they had a personal share, they would seem of ancient times 
long since done. But entering immediately on the subject, I 
will call our attention to a few inferences ; I shall barely name 
them and then leave them for our own reflections. The Old 
Testament, much despised by many, would be of exceeding 
value for the edification of all, and for the strengthening of 
their faith ; not only is it very essential to their salvation, as 
well as the New Testament, but to their establishment in the 
hope of the gospel. Here only have we the history ^ the 
dealings of G-od with man and with liis church for about four 
thousand years. 

2d. We see the value of his preached word. 
3d. Acquaintance with the history of God's dealing with 
the church and the world, with the history of former times, 
is of importance, as affording subjects for profitable medita- 
tion, at all times, to the exclusion of vain, foolish and impure 
thoughts. 

This day is an epoch in the history of this town and church. 
This day, we leave this house, where we, and our fathers 
have worshiped for many years, and we may receive it as 
the voice of God to us. "Remember the days of old." Let 
us now together meditate on the events occurring in the days 
of our fathers, and trace them down to the present day, and 
we shall see much to humble us, and to shew us the many, 
and wonderful kindnesses of our God. I begin with some in 
the civil history of the town, such as I have been able to 
collect. The time of the first inhabitants moving into this 
town, was in the year 1752, and it was called tovraship No. 
1 ; and the first white child born in the town, would be, if 
living, more than eighty years of age. The first settlers in 
the town were many of them poor, and the settlement did 
not proceed so rapidly as in some other towns, nor was it 
until the year 1768, that an incorporation was sought and 
obtained. In that year, the inhabitants were incorporated a 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. • 67 

body politic, and the place named Mason. This was in 
August; and in November following, when the first tax was 
levied, there were but seventy-six rated polls or persons, 
liable to be taxed. The original proprietors erected a meet- 
ing house, just by where this stands, for the inhabitants, 
before the town was incorporated ; that is, they set up a 
frame, covered and enclosed it, but it never was finished. 
There it stood a shell until 1790. And in that your fathers, 
and some now living, worshiped, and even in the winter. 
In that house, I commenced my ministry in this place. Then, 
there was not a riding carriage in the town, and in the winter, 
whole families would come to meeting on a sled drawn by 
oxen, and the ladies were not ashamed to be seen in their 
plain, decent, tvarm, comfortable, homemade clothing. Were 
those times more unfavorable, or on the whole more uncom- 
fortable, than the present, judge ye. 

At length the town as a corporate body, agreed to build a 
house for the worship of God, but were not agreed as to its 
location. This was submitted to a committee of disinter- 
ested persons, and they unhajipily selected this spot. I say 
unhappily, for had it been located where it should have been, 
it might have well continued many years longer as the place of 
our solemnities, and with small expense be made comfortable. 
When our fathers entered upon the work of building this 
house, it was with many discouragements and fears. They 
felt poor, and weak handed for such an undertaking; but God 
smiled upon them, and succored them far beyond their fears. 
They felt it to be a heavy burden, but they undertook it with 
cheerfulness, and were enabled to sustain it. And forty seven 
years ago this present month, the house was so far finished, 
that the ceremonies of my ordination were performed in it, 
which were the first public religious exercises in this house. 
It was soon after solemnly dedicated unto Almighty God, as 
a place for his worship, and through the rich goodness and 
mercy of God, very few sabbaths have passed from that time 
to the present, when the house has not been occupied by some 



68 MEMOIR OF THE 

• 

as a place ojf worship. And since that time the Lord has 
blessed his people, aji^reeably to his promises to his chosen 
people of old. He has increased their number and increased 
their wealth, proving that none are poorer for what they 
spend for God. In the year 1790, when this house was built, 
there were but about one hundred and ten dwelling houses in 
the town, poor and good, and now there are more than two 
hundred and ten, and our eyes are permitted to behold a new 
house completed, to be dedicated to God for the use of this 
church and the congregatioa worshiping with them. Surely 
we have cause this day to set up our Ebenezer, and say, hith- 
erto hath the Lord helped us, and to give thanks at the 
remembrance of his merciful kindness, when we remember 
the days of old, and consider and think upon our present 
state as a society, for when we go out of tliis house we are 
not left houseless. 

I will now add something relative to the changes that have 
taken place in the town, to be remembered among the things 
of the days of old. There is but one dwelling house and two 
barns now standing in all that can be considered as contained 
in this centre village, wliich were standing when I first came to 
this town, and but one building of any kind in all the west vil- 
lage, and there had never then been a resident physician, nor 
other professional man, except the short time Mr. Searle was 
the minister. Supposing five persons to a dwelling house, 
there would not at that time have been more than five hun- 
dred and fifty inhabitants, but they did probably some exceed 
six hundred. We have enjoyed at least a comfortable share 
of health with other places, and there have been many instan- 
ces of longevity. But some years have been distinguished by 
great mortality. In the years 1818 and 1819, we were visit- 
ed with that dreadful scourge angina maligna or throat dis- 
temper, and it swept away many of the children. In the year 
1818 was the greatest number of deaths that ever were in 
the town in one year ; there were thirty four ; of these twenty 
two were children under fourteen years of age, and of these 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 69 

twelve died of throat distemper. In 1819, there were thirty 
one deaths, and of these eighteen were under fourteen years 
of age, and twelve of them were removed by the same malig- 
nant distemper. 

In the space of forty-seven years, there have been removed 
from this place to the narrow house prepared for all the 
living, somewhat rising eight hundred. What a large congre- 
gation ! How often have all the now living, been warned to 
prepare for death and the judgment. 

But it is time to call to mind the years of many genera- 
tions, respecting the church in this place. Previous to my 
acquaintance with this church, it had been in a state of per- 
plexity and trouble, for most of the time of its existence as 
a church. Among the earliest settlers in the town, were 
some professors, but no church was constituted until 1772, 
four years after the town was incorporated. When the 
church was embodied, it was stated to be a Calvinistic church, 
and the articles of faith to agree essentially, with the West- 
minster confession of faith. At this time Kev. Jonathan 
Searle was ordained, and constituted the pastor of this 
church. Shortly after, unhappy difficulties arose between the 
pastor and the flock, which caused his dismissal, nine years 
after his settlement. Soon after, or from the time of this 
event, he ceased to preach. He was appointed a civil magis- 
trate, officiated in that capacity, and remained in the town until 
his death. During the nine years of his ministry, fourteen were 
admitted by profession, and nine by letter, and eleven owned 
the covenant, so called, according to the practice of most of the 
churches in N. England, in those days. After that period, until 
the time of my ordination, I find record of admission of one 
member only. There was a long time of deathlike sleep in 
the church, until about the year 1785, when it pleased God 
to pour out his spirit, and cause a great revival of religion 
in his people, and of his work in converting sinners, in New 
Ipswich, under the ministry of the venerable Mr. Farrar, 
and soon it extended, in some measure, to this and other 
10 



70 MEMOIR OF THE 

towns. This part of the vincjard, although in a very deplor- 
able state, \ras not wholly passed by; some few christians 
were awakened, and brought to submit themselves to their 
long neglected duty. 

Many of the people of Mason, especially of the young, 
flocked to the solemn meetings at New Ipswich, and were 
struck with wonder, and soon some were convicted of sin, 
and became anxious for their soul's salvation, and shortly 
after were rejoicing in the hope of pardoning mercy. But 
such was the state of the church in Mason, destitute of a 
minister, broken, dispirited, that the new converts sought to 
unite with the church in New Ipswich, to which they had 
become greatly attached, by their acquaintance with the 
members, which the situation and intercourse had brought 
about, and by that mutual love, which new born souls who 
have mourned, and wept, and rejoiced together, feel. Their 
request was granted, on condition that they removed their 
relation, whenever the church in Mason should become 
settled. One happy effect of this revival, was a determina- 
tion in the church and congregation, to seek the settlement of 
a gospel minister; and, in the- very mysterious providence of 
God, the present speaker was elected to this office, and is 
continued to this day. 

Just before my ordination, those who were residing in town, 
members of other churches, and these members of the New 
Ipswich church, removed their relation to this church. The 
church consisted of thirty-six members when I settled with 
them, and has now rising one hundred and fifty-seven, in this 
town, in regular standing. The whole number added, during 
my ministry, is two hundred and eighty-one ,• of these, two 
hundred and sixty-one by profession. A small number indeed 
compared to the number of inhabitants, and length of time, 
although we have been favored with some precious seasons 
of refreshing, from the presence of the Lord, seasons when 
the Holy Spirit has come down with power, and wrought 
wonders, making the word of God powerful, and causing joy 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. ^1 

and gladness on earth and in heaven, over penitent sinners. 
It will be doubtless refreshing to some, to be reminded of 
those years, in which they rejoiced when first they knew the 
Lord, or rejoiced when salvation came to their house, and 
their dear friends became dearer to their hearts, by being 
united to the family of God. 

The years 1801 and 1802 were indeed years of the right 
hand of God. After a long season in which but few, and at 
distant intervals, were persuaded to embrace the Savior, God 
was pleased to grant such a refreshing season, as never had 
before been experienced in this place, and the fruit that was 
gathered, was an addition of iifty-four members by profession. 
The number that united with the Baptist church, I cannot tell. 
It seemed then, as if it could not be, that there should be 
such a lowering down as would be like night after a bright 
and glorious day. But oh ! what wonderful changes we have 
witnessed, which should humble our souls, while we rejoice in 
the goodness of God, that after his spirit has been grieved 
away, and his people gone away backward, he should remem- 
ber them in mercy. Again, in the year 1812, was a short 
season of the special display of the mercy of God, and twen- 
ty-five were added to the church. After this, only now and 
then a mercy drop was found to fall, until the year 1826, 
which was a year more distinguished than any other in the 
annals of this church. God wrought gloriously, every part 
of the town was visited, and so manifest was the work of 
God, that for a time, all opposition seemed to be silenced, 
and the fruit of this glorious revival, was an addition to this 
church, of sixty-two members. Oh ! that we may soon see 
such another day of the mercy and goodness of God. As 
the fruits of this revival, there were added to the church in 
1826 and in 1827, seventy-nine members; in 1831, twenty- 
one, and in 1834 and 1835, thirty-two. Remember the days 
of old, consider the years of many generations, and think 
what changes will shortly take place here. 

When I look around on this assembly, I can see but one of 



72 MEMOIR OF THE 

the number of those, -who from this town joined the church 
in New Ipswich, and removed their relation at the time of 
my settlement. Then they were young-, but Avherc are they ? 
I can see but two [Jonathan Batcheldcr, and the widow Polly 
Dunster] of all the thirty-six, which composed the church in 
that solemn hour, when I was constituted their pastor. 
Where are they ? Some have removed to other churches, and 
perhaps remain on earth, but most of them have fallen asleep. 
Oh ! how near at hand, should this view bring the time of 
our own departure ; how excite us to be up and doing-, while 
it is day. It is matter of rejoicing certainly to me, that 
when we leave this house, we have a place of worship to 
which we may repair, and that, although I minister no 
longer in this house, or any other, I do not leave you as 
sheep without a shepherd. 

Where will be the present inhabitants of this town, after 
the revolution of such another period as we have contem- 
plated. Certainly, with many, the places that now know 
them, shall know them no more. Some few may remain on 
earth, monuments of God's sparing mercy and goodness. It 
is hoped, that many will be shouting the praises of redeem- 
ing love in heaven ; and oh ! distressing thought ! it is feared 
that some will be wailing their folly and madness, in eternal 
despair. What changes may be expected to take place, 
in half a century to come, in this church and congregation, 
and the inhabitants of this town. The farms we now culti- 
vate with so much care, will have passed into other hands. 
The houses we now inhabit, will not be inhabited by us then. 
This house, which has been consecrated to God, for his ser- 
vice, and the place where he has displayed his mercy, will 
then be mouldered into ruins. 

The house to which we are about to remove will become 
old, and the religious assembly will be another generation ; 
while we shall probably all be sleeping in dust. Yes, that 
communion table will be surrounded with other members, 
unless God in his wrath shall remove his candlestick. Not 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 73 

only will these seats be vacated by this assembly, not only will 
the present communicants cease from coming to this table, 
not only will these walls cease to resound with the voice of 
praise from the lips of this assembly, but the house in which 
we are to worship after this day, will be filled with other 
worshipers than those who may have the privilege to unite 
with us in the first religious exercises in that earthly temple. 
In thirty years another generation will occupy our present 
places. 

It is right that as we leave this house, we should leave it 
under the impression of such remarkable truths. I cannot 
however, say farewell to this house, before once more calling 
on christian brethren and sisters, to remember the time is 
short, and to do with their might what they have to do ; think 
not your work is done because you leave this house of wor- 
ship. Keep in grateful remembrance the works of God. 
Take courage from his precious promises and his dealings 
with his people, in the years that are gone, be instant in 
season and out of season. Cease not to plead with G-od, 
for the outpouring of his spirit upon this church and congre- 
gation. Let your light so shine, that others seeing your good 
works, may come and put their trust in that God and Saviour 
you love and adore. Oh ! sinners, this is the last message to 
you from this place, you can have but little time left, the 
door of mercy is now open ; ! fly to the Saviour, who 
stands with open arms to receive you, while it is yet an 
accepted time, and a day of salvation. 

I now bid farewell in my own name, and in the name of 
this church and congregation, to this house as a place of wor- 
ship, as the place of our solemn assemblies. 

Farewell to this Pulpit : to me indeed, for many years, 
the dearest spot on earth. And although I expect not to 
labor any more in this pulpit, if I do in any other, I never 
shall think of this place, and remember the days of old, 
without such associations as will be calculated to move the 
feelings of humility and gratitude. 



74 



MEMOIR OP *rHE 



Farewell to this House, which has been the place, in 
"Which we have witnessed many painful and joyous scenes. 

! may these walls, once consecrated to God, never be 
desecrated or poUutcd, by being made the place where infidelity 
or error shall be disseminated ; or the spirit of party, manage 
to subvert the freedom of this favored land. 




OLD MEETING liOlSE. EIKST OCCUPIED NOVEMBER t 1790. 




NEW Ml 



FIRST OCCUPIED NOVEMBER, 1837. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 75 



A FUNERAL SERMON, 

DELIVERED AT MASON, N. H., ON LORD^S DAY, 

DECEMBER 10, 1826, 
OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OP 

CAPTAIN HIKAM SMITH, 

Who Deceased December 6, 1826, Aged 2§ Years. 

BY REV. EBENEZER HILL. 



JOB XXI. 23, 24, 25, 2 



One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts 
are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. And another 
dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They 
shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them. 

One interesting point of instruction conveyed in these 
words of the aged, experienced, and afflicted Job, is mani- 
festly this. The grave may be very near to the most pros- 
perous, and healthy, and strong, as well as to those who 
endure the greatest afflictions, and most severe sufferings. I 
shall endeavor, briefly, to establish this truth, in order to 
exhibit some of the important instructions which the great 
uncertainty of life seems forcibly to convey to us all ; and to 
prepare the way for such application and addresses as the 
solemn scene which so lately passed before our eyes, together 
with others of no long date, seem to require. 

Job was a man of very eminent piety. It appears from 
divine testimony, that he exceeded all the men on earth in 
his day, in devotedness to God, and in labor after inward 



76 MEMOIR OF THE 

purity, and practical holiness. "Ilast thou considered my 
servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect 
and an upright man, one that feareth God, and eschewetli 
evil?" Job was a wise man ; a man of good understanding; 
a man of much and careful observation. It is evident he 
was well acquainted with the history of preceding ages, so 
far as this was handed down by tradition ; and he had atten- 
tively observed the dispensations of Divine Providence in his 
own day. The remark in the text was the result of his 
own observation, confirmed by the testimony of the fathers, 
who had lived long before him. And the same truth has been 
gaining additional evidence in every age of the world since, 
down to the present day. " One dieth in his full strength, 
being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts are full of milk 
and his bones arc moistened with marrow. And another 
dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with 
pleasure. They shall lie down in the dust, and the worms 
shall cover them." 

This truth also comes to us with authority ; being written 
by the pen of inspiration, preserved by the providence of 
God, and making a part of the holy scriptures. let us feel 
our personal interest in this solemn truth ! As we know that 
it is appointed to all men once to die ; as we know that we 
are of the dust, and must return to dust again ; so we are 
taught in the text, that we are not sure of any long previous 
warning of the time of our dissolution. No circumstances in 
life can give any security that death is not at the door. 

If to be full of strength, and free from any disease, the 
blood and spirits flowing with life and vigor, can give no secu- 
rity for the continuance of life ; then surely no attachments 
to life, no worldly circumstances, no pleasing prospects, no 
connections formed, no engagements made, can give the least 
assurance that the grave is not just before us. How often do 
we see this melancholy truth demonstrated ! We do not need 
to repair to the chronicles of ancient times for evidence tliat 
the young, even children, and the sprightly youths of fairest 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 



77 



promise, may suddenly drop into an untimely grave. Neitlier 
need we go far for proof that the young, the strong and vig- 
orous — their parents' hope, their parents' joy, while in the full 
enjoyment of health, — their warm and lively imaginations 
painting bright prospects before them, which seem to them 
certain ; perhaps forming connections, which they fondly 
believe will be lasting, and on which they ground the warmest 
expectations of happiness — we need not, I say, go far for 
proof, that such may, in an unexpected hour, fall into the cold 
embrace of death. 

Parents, while they feel not, or scarcely begin to feel any 
of the decays of nature ; while their nerves are strong, and 
their bodily organs are able to perform their functions with 
ease, and they behold with joy, their children like olive plants 
around their tables, or settling in the world with hopeful 
prospects — no sickness, no apparent messenger of death 
alarms them — theij may drop and die in the fulness of their 
strength ; or their children may fall before their eyes. In 
either case, how unlooked for, how surprising the change ! 
Circumstances in life give no more security against death, 
than health. Death spares the rich no more than the poor. 
Engagements, of whatever kind, are unavailing to protect 
against death. We may have much upon our hands to do, 
much unfinished business, according to our promises to others, 
or plans which we have laid out for ourselves ,• but as our 
full strength will not be able to withstand, so our engage- 
ments and promises will not move death to delay his stroke, 
when commissioned to strike. And oftentimes there is little 
or no warning given, by any previous indisposition, before the 
strong man is made to bow. One dieth in his full strength, 
being wholly at ease and quiet, as well as another at whose 
door death had seemed to knock, by long continued, or fre- 
quent sicknesses. 

Death, in unnumbered forms, stalks in every path we tread. 
The grave is ever before us, and we are constantly approach- 
ing it ; and no one can say that the next step is not into it. 
11 



78 MEMOIR OP THE 

As David said of himself, so it may be with us, "There is but 
a step between me and death." The prophet was directed 
to cry, "All flesh is grass, and all the goodness thereof as the 
flower of the field. The grass withcrcth and the flower 
fadeth; because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it. 
Surely the people is gr9,ss." Job also, guided by the Holy 
Spirit, hath said, "Man that is born of a woman is of few 
days, and full of trouble. He comcth forth as a flower, and 
is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadoAv, and continucth not." 
Surely then no one may consistently boast himself of 
to-morrow. However firm his health now is, he may then be 
in his grave. 

It is not my intention to labor to prove a truth so evident 
in frequent occurrences. I have barely reminded you, my 
fellow-mortals, of what we all admit, I trust, and what every 
one must admit, who receives testimony of God, or only casts 
his eye over a little space around him ; and I have done it for 
this purpose, that our minds might be prepared to receive the 
instruction which such facts press upon all the living. 

You will sufi"er me to state, and, I beseech all duly to 
weigh, some consequences which must follow from the forego- 
ing acknowledged facts. And, 

1, If then in the midst of life we are in death; if, in the 
fullness of our strength, and in our brightest worldly pros- 
pects, we are liable every moment to be cut down by death, 
and in the grave to be hidden from the world and all it con- 
tains ; to have all our connections dissolved, and to leave all 
our earthly enjoyments behind us forever; then, certainly, 
they are miserably poor who have no better interest than 
what this world affords ; nor enjoyments superior to all those 
of time and sense. Though they be now free from suffering 
pain, in full health and strength ; though placed in the most 
easy and flattering circumstances, and having the brightest 
earthly prospects before them, they are poor indeed 1 We 
may feel ourselves to-day to be full and happy in our wealth 
and friends ; but if these be all we have, in one short hour 



EEV, EBENEZER HILL. 79 

Is not vanity inscribed on all this 
world, when immortal beings seek their happiness in it ; and 
neither the most vigorous health, nor the greatest abundance, 
nor the most endeared connections and friends, can save us a 
moment from death ; and as soon as death passes upon us we 
must leave the world as naked as we came into it ! 0, if we 
have not a better inheritance, richer enjoyments, and more 
glorious prospects than all this world can aiford, we are in an 
unenviable, in a most pitiable state. 

2. A correct view of the uncertainty of life, the certainty 
of death, and the change produced by death, shews the ines- 
timable value of Religion. 

It is only religion, personal religion, which consists in con- 
formity of heart to the character and government of God, and 
the gospel of salvation by Jesus Christ, that can reconcile the 
mind to leave the world, support it in the near view of death, 
and render the soul happy after death. then, of what 
incalculable worth is religion ; since we an must die, leave 
kindred and friends, and possessions behind us, and launch 
into the eternal world. Nothing but that glorious hope 
which springs from feeling reconciliation to God, trust in 
Christ's atoning blood for the pardon of sin, and belief in 
the promise of his favor forever, can enable us to view the 
"world receding, and the constant, near and certain approach 
of death, without dismay. And it is only evidence that they 
possessed this religion, which can give us consoling hopes, 
and comfort our hearts, concerning those who were dear to 
us, but are hidden from our eyes in the cold grave. It is this 
religion only which fits the soul for heaven. Who then can 
conceive, much less express the danger of every soul, desti- 
tute of religion, and thus unprepared to die. For no one 
knows the day of his death ; and there is no change of moral 
character after death. There is no work, nor devise, nor 
knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave ; yet the soul must exist 
forever, and in a state to be decided according to the charac- 
ter formed, and the deeds done in the body : Who then can 



80 MEMOIR OF THE 

rest without evidence of a heart by grace subdued to the will 
and service of God ? without evidence of vital union to the 
Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior of sinners ? Surely to 
know Jesus Christ, and him crucified ; to know him as the 
Savior in whom we trust, whom we love, and whom we serve, 
must be that wisdom which is thus described by the king of 
Israel, "Wisdom is more precious than rubies; her merchan- 
dise is better than the merchandise of silver ; and the gain 
thereof than fine gold. She is a tree of life to them that lay 
hold on her; and happy is every one that retaineth her." O, 
who can dare, in this dying world, to believe his own immor- 
tality, and not seek this treasure ! 

3. The view which has been presented, of the close con- 
nection between us and death, between every thing here and 
the grave, should teach us to live habitually as strangers and 
travelers in this dying world, and not to set our affections 
on things below. Surely our hearts ought to sit very loose 
to all things .we wold by such an uncertain tenure as life. 
And to make anything which is purely of this world, our con- 
fidence, our hope, our idol, is not only exceedingly criminal but 
exceedingly absurd. Why should we cleave so fast to that 
which we may so soon be called to leave forever ? if the 
case be with us as has been represented, how careful should 
we be not to suffer any inferior attachment to hinder us in 
seeking the present enjoyment of God, and laboring to secure 
an heirship to the glories of his heavenly kingdom. 

In attempting an application of the subject to the assem- 
bly at large, the few aged people present will permit me to 
offer a word directly to them in the first place. 

Is it true, my aged friends, that some die in youth, yea, die 
in their full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet ? Have 
you walked so many years on earth, that but few of all your 
youthful acquaintances are left ? then, while you well may 
wonder that you are alive this day, you may know that the 
time of your departure is at hand. Althougli you have been 
wonderfully spared, you have not obtained a discharge from 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 81 

the warfare. You must meet the king of terrors. Are you 
prepared now to meet death ? Are you prepared to stand in 
the presence of the holy God? If any of you have lived 
to this day without returning to God by unfeigned repent- 
ance, and by faith in Jesus Christ, not only death, but ever- 
lasting destruction is before you. The sparing mercy of God, 
if you have rejected, and continue to reject his grace, offered 
in the gospel, will only aggravate your condemnation. then, 
while a few more sands may run, and you are continued pris- 
oners of hope, turn to the strong hold. If any of you, aged 
friends, have a comforting evidence that you are prepared, 
through grace, for a peaceful death, see that ye be as servants 
Avho watch and wait for the coming of their Lord at an 
unknown hour. 

From the aged, I turn to call upon the middle aged, and 
young people. I ask you, dear friends, to consider, in view 
of the subject, and the occasion of it, and let your own 
understanding answer the following questions. Is it possible 
that you can have any business, or concerns of so much imme- 
diate importance as the immediate care of your souls ? Is 
there any thing you cannot neglect with more propriety, and 
less hazard than preparation for death ? Can you believe that 
you may die in the fulness of your strength, and yet dare to 
live to another day without seeking God ! Can any of you 
dare, not to attempt now to do what you must wish you had 
done, but it may be too late to do, when you feel the cold 
hand of death ? 

But it is expected that some particular address will be 
made to the mourners ; made mourners indeed, by the affect- 
ing instance of mortality which has been publicly mentioned 
this day ; and for whom, I trust, many have earnestly prayed, 
that they may be sanctified, and supported, and comforted, 
under their heavy trial. 

To the dear friend of the deceased we first look, and with 
no ordinary feelings of sympathetic grief. How has this 
truth, thus painfully realized, " one dieth in his full strength," 



82 MEMOm OP THE 

struck a death blow to your pleasing earthly prospects ; per* 
haps fond dreams of years to enjoy the society of a beloved 
friend ; and that ye might go down the vale of years together. 
Perhaps you were anticipating much worldly comfort and res- 
pect, by your mutual efforts, and mutual kindness. Perhaps 
hoping that you might be helpers of each other's joy in a 
wearisome journey to a brighter world. Death has stepped 
in, and the bright visions have disappeared. Your friend is 
gone ! But while the scene through which you have passed, 
is heart affecting, and long must be, it is instructing ; for it is 
the voice of God. He does not forbid you to mourn ; and no 
one may ; but He calls you to take up the cross, to humble 
yourself under his miglity hand, to bear the yoke of trouble 
in your youth j and you have the prayers of many that you 
may find it good for you. 

I say, the scene through which you have passed, is instruct- 
ing. You cannot easily be taught, and more impressively, 
the uncertainty of life, and the importance of being prepared 
for death, at an unwarned hour. You cannot have set before 
you, more feelingly, the uncertainty of all earthly prospects. 
But are you comfortless ? there is a source of consolation 
always open for the afflicted. God reigns. The heavenly 
Father reigns. He who afflicts calls the afflicted to seek him 
early in their afflictions. We hope you know the way to the 
mercy-scat through a crucified Savior. Draw near in humble 
boldness in his name, and he who has laid this burthen on you 
will support you. let the loss of an earthly friend render 
the Friend of sinners more precious to your heart. Let the 
disappointments in human calculations raise your heart above 
the world, and lead you to seek divine consolations, and press 
forward towards the mark for the prize of the high calling, 
and you will find lasting benefit from the scenes, which for 
the present are so grievous. If Christ be indeed the friend 
of your heart, he will never leave nor forsake you. And you 
may look forward to a sudden death and an early grave with 
composure ; or quietly wait all the days of your appointed 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 83 

time, till your change sliall come, even though you continually 
bear a cross. 

To the bereaved parents all our eyes turn, and our hearts 
move with tenderness. 

God has been very gracious to you, in bestowing an uncom- 
mon share of health in your family. Your children have all 
been spared to grow up to manhood ; and the voice of health 
has been heard almost constantly in your habitation. Now 
grievous sickness and death have entered your home. The 
breach is made. A beloved son is taken away in the fulness 
of his strength; and while your hopes and fond expectations 
were rising, and his prospects brightening. How suddenly, 
how unlooked for, has your trouble come ! But you will 
remember, mourning friends, " Affliction cometh not foi'th of 
the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground." You 
will eye the hand of God, which has touched you in this event ; 
and listen to his voice. It is. Prepare suddenly to exchange 
time for eternity. You see a breach made in your family, 
which is a sure presage that all the rest must go, and that 
you must follow, or precede them. You see that you are not 
sure of wearing out with old age, or that you shall have long 
warning of the approach of death. Healthy, promising, 
children are apt to be their parents' hope in their declining 
years : but you are now feelingly admonished not to lean on 
such props. let the Lord be your confidence, and then, 
though all earthly props sink under you, you will be sup- 
ported and comforted ; for in every affliction you may repair 
to him, and he will be found a present help. Your age 
admonishes you that your time must be short; but what 
scenes of trouble, what sore disappointments are first to be 
endured, you do not, and cannot know. You are to look for 
troubles in this world. May you be favored with the teach- 
ings of the Holy Spirit, and make a wise improvement of 
this affliction, and be prepared for what is to come. We 
wish you divine consolation. God has inflicted the wound, 
and He alone can heal. You may lose the sensible and pun- 



84 MEMOIR OF THE 

gent feeling of your trouble ; time will render the remem- 
brance less painful ; Init it is only God -who can heal the 
wound, and repair the breach. 

What can I now say to the brethren and sisters of the 
deceased ? what need I say ? The voice of God speaks to 
you loudly, and most intelligibly. A beloved brother has 
fallen in the prime of life, in the fulness of his strength. 
Your health, your strength, your prime of life, can no more 
secure you against the arrest of death. Dear friends, be 
entreated to listen to the voice of Providence, which calls 
you to attend to the concerns of your souls, without delay. 
And, 0, listen to the dying request of your brother. Did 
you witness his anxiety for his own soul, and for your souls ? 
Did you hear his warning, supplicating voice, while his reason 
lasted, urging you to seek religion ; to become reconciled to 
God without delay ? Did you hear him reprobate the senti- 
ment he had labored to believe, and warn you against it ? 
Did you hear him declare his full conviction of his own just 
condemnation as a sinner ; and that the only hope of escap- 
ing everlasting death was through the atoning blood of 
Christ, even by faith in him ? 0, then, rely upon it, the time 
will come when the favor of God, peace in the soul, and hope 
like an anchor, sure and steadfast, will be found, by you, 
to be of more value than the whole world, and all the fulness 
thereof. When shall this be sought ? You may die suddenly, 
in the fulness of your strength. You may be deprived of 
reason before the close of life ; and then nothing can be done 
to prepare for death. It is certain you must die, the time is 
unknown ; and when death has his commission to strike, he is 
inexorable. then let not the plea be made in vain, acquaint 
now yourselves Avith God, and be at peace with him, that good 
may come to your souls. 

On this solemn occasion the oflicers and soldiers composing 
the Militia Company of which the late Hiram Smith was Cap- 
tain, have a right to be particularly noticed in this address ; 
for they are specially afflicted in this mournful event of 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 85 

Divine Providence ; for they are, indeed, mourners, as their 
appearance at his funeral, and on this holy day, clearly mani- 
fests. 

How affecting, how alarming have been the calls of Provi- 
dence to this Company ! In the short space of one year and 
a half, two Captains, young and active, have been cut down, 
not by the sword of battle, but by that foe with whom each 
one, officer and soldier, must contend in single combat, and 
before whom each one must fall. 

You, respected officers and soldiers, notwithstanding the 
military parade you make, live in a time of profound peace 
in your country. There are no apparent indications that you 
may soon be called to active service. Why then all this mili- 
tary parade ? Why all these pains to learn the discipline 
and art of war ? 0, methinks I hear you say, "It is the dic- 
tate of wisdom, in peace to prepare for war. It is uncertain 
how soon we may be called to defend by force and arms, our 
dearest rights, and jeopardize our lives in the high field of 
battle ; and what then, if found unacquainted with the art of 
war, wholly unprepared, undisciplined, unarmed ? " Forcible 
reasoning ! let it apply with all its aptness, with all its 
force, in another case. Here I may address you as fellow 
soldiers, although I am unacquainted with all your military 
manoeuvres. Before us is a war in which there is no dis- 
charge ; no engagements, nor attachments, nor fears, can be 
an excuse. Here, is it not equally the dictate of wisdom, In 
peace prepare for war? that we should arm ourselves with 
that armor which will not fail in the day of battle ; acquaint 
ourselves with the holy discipline, and become expert in the 
use of those arms ? When called to combat with the com- 
mon enemy, death, and all the innumerable foes of our souls' 
salvation, it is only when clad in the whole armor of God, 
the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of 
the spirit, and the breast-plate of righteousness, that we 
can come ojff conquerors and more than conquerors. Thus 
armed and disciplined, we shall be crowned with victory, 
12 



86 MEMOIR OP THE 

althouf^h the enemy shall seem to triumph. You now, fellow 
men, appear as soldiers. But are you soldiers of the cross ? 
are you marching in the ranks of the great Captain of salva- 
tion, and obeying his orders ? Then may you proceed boldly. 
But whatever leader you may follow, when you fall as you 
must, you fall to rise no more. 

Hence, whenever you meet on military occasions, your very 
manoeuvres are calculated to remind you of interesting truths, 
and to convey to you important instruction. And it seems 
strange that in a christian laud, military meetings are not 
generally solemn meetings. Every word of command given, 
every manoeuvre performed, every step marched to the music 
should remind you of the necessity of preparation for the great 
conflict, and of the danger of being untrained to the holy 
war. Can this Comjiany meet again and trifle with the art of 
war ? Can a training be a season of rude merriment after 
this ? Can the soldiers, who see their officers fall before 
them, feel safe, until they have enlisted under the great Cap- 
tain of salvation, Jesus Christ, the same forever ? This day 
you see, you have painful evidence, that the art of war cannot 
defend from death. No more can any other arts or devices. 
Your Captain was esteemed a good officer ; but he has fallen. 
Death did not respect him: no more will he respect yo7i. 
Soldiers may inconsiderately brave death in the field of bat- 
tle ; but it is only the christian soldier who has true courage 
in the hour of danger, and can contemplate the constant 
approach of death without dismay. It is not courage, it is 
dreadful hardiness to jeopardize life fearlessly without the 
prevailing hope of a happy eternity. 

Soldiers, you acknowledge Captain Smith was a good 
officer. But you may rely upon it, for I had it from his own 
lips, he felt the worth of his immortal soul ; he acknowledged 
himself justly condemned as a sinner ; with lively emotions 
he mourned his past neglects ; and he was anxious for the 
salvation that is in Christ. Now will you not be anxious for 
salvation ? can concern for the soul be unbecoming a soldier ? 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 8!? 

To yoti, the surviving officers in this Company, this day 
must be a solemn day. Who can be the successor to your 
late Captain, and look back one year and a half, and not 
tremble ? Who can rise to a higher grade and not tremble ? 
But why speak of this ? Each one, whether he rise in rank 
or not, must bow to the king of terrors, and go to that 
world from which there is no return. Who, which of you, 
is prepared to follow next ? whose turn will it be next ? 
This is a question no man can answer. One in his full 
strength as likely as one who is diseased and feeble. then, 
let me affectionately entreat you, and not entreat in vain, to 
take care of your souls. Now give yourselves to Christ. 
Delay no longer. Receive him as your commander ; rely on 
his righteousness; believe and obey his word. Then, and not 
till then, may you live in peace, die in peace, and be crowned 
with victory. 



MEMOIR OF THE 



THE SUBSTANCE OF TWO LECTURES 

ON TBB 

HISTORY OF MASON, 

DELIVERED BEFORE THE LYCEUM 

IN MASON VILLAGE. 
BY REV. EBENEZER HILL. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



To THE Rev. Ebenezer Hill, 

Dear Sir : — We, whose names are here subscrihed, were appointed a cora* 
mittee, to request a copy for publication, of your recent instructive and inter- 
esting discourse upon the early history of Mason, delivered before the !Mason 
Village Lyceum. Desirous of preserving the history of the past, and admon- 
ished by your advanced age, that we cannot long hope to enjoy your society, 
■\ve trust you Avill comply with our request. 

Yours truly, 

GEOUGE ELLIOT, 
THOMAS H. MARSHALL, 
D. F. RICHARDSON. 
Mason Tillage, February 24, 1846. 



To George Elliot, Esq., Dr. Thomas H. Marshall, and Rev. D. F. Richardson, 
Gentlemen : — The request of the Lyceum, made through you, of a copy of 
the Lectures on the History of the Town, delivered last winter, I cannot refuse. 
Yet I am constrained to appreciate the request, rather as a mark of respect to 
old age, than as an evidence of merit in the performance. 

Various hindrances have caused delay in examining facts, and in transcribing 
and preparing the copy. Such as it is, I cheerfully present it to you, and 
through you. Gentlemen, to the members of the Lyceum, with many warm 
wishes for the spiritual and temporal prosperity of the risen and rising gen- 
eration. 

Very respectfully your friend and humble servant, 

EBENEZER HILL. 
Mason, May 1, 1846. 



HEV. EBENEZER HILL. 89 



LECTURE. 



Most people take pleasure in reading history, and learning 
the events of ancient days. But when the history relates to 
scenes in which their immediate ancestors were concerned — 
to events which have a bearing on their own state and condi- 
tion, the interest deepens as they proceed. 

Who will not find entertainment and profit in reading the 
history of England from its earliest period ? But as the 
time approaches when our forefathers were forced to leave 
their pleasant dwellings and their beloved country, and seek 
an asylum in a newly discovered continent, where they might 
enjoy civil and religious liberty, what man of common sensi- 
bility — certainly, what true American, is not moved more and 
more ? And is there even a scholar in our common schools, 
who can read the landing of the pilgrims on the rock in Ply- 
mouth, and the severe sufferings they had to endure, and the 
labors they had to perform, without feeling his heart beat 
quick within him ? But history, whether civil, ecclesiastical, 
or biographical, not only affords entertainment, but in a 
pleasing manner valuable instruction. Nor is it necessary 
that the history should abound in marvelous and wonder- 
stirring events, to render it pleasant and profitable. 

Entertaining these views, I am led to believe that the his- 
tory of Mason may be thus useful to the present inhabitants 
of the town, and especially to the young people ,• and in com- 
pliance with a special request, I now attempt to present such 



90 MEMOIR OP THE 

facts relative to this town, and its early inhabitants, as I have 
been able to collect, from records which have come into my 
hands, and from conversation had with old people, almost all 
of whom are now — as we must shortly be — in the grave. 

The land included in this town is part of a grant made to 
Captain John Mason, of London, by the king of England, and 
it appears from records that certain persons bought of John 
Tufton Mason, heir of John Mason, a tract of his said grant 
in New Hampshire, containing about 77 square miles, of 
which tract this town is a part. 

At a meeting of these proprietors by purchase of Mason, 
held at Portsmouth, Joseph Blanchard, of Dunstable, was 
accredited their agent ; and as such, in their name, by deed 
or charter, conveyed to a company, whose names are 
expressed in the instrument, a certain tract of land five miles 
square, which was the dimension and shape of this town in 
its original grant : but afterwards a strip of land containing 
200 acres was taken from No. 2, now Wilton, and annexed to 
No. 1, so called; also when the Province line was run 
between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, a gore of land 
was cut off from Townsend, and annexed to Mason ; so that 
it was no longer square, but Mader from North to South than 
from East to "West. The charter or deed was executed June 
16, 1749 ; and the names of thirty -four men are inserted in 
the instrument as grantees ; most of whom, as far as I can 
judge by the names and other circumstances, were from the 
towns of Dunstable, HoUis, Groton, Peppercll and Townsend. 
This township, thus obtained, was designated No. 1, in the 
Province of New Hampshire, north or back of Townsend. 

In the charter were certain reservations, which shew the 
regard, both grantors and grantees had for the education of 
the youth, and the moral and religious instruction of all, as 
well as for the comfort of the early settlers. For instance, 
two lots of land were reserved for encouragement to build 
mills ; six acres were reserved for a common, wherever the 
meeting house should bo located. Three shares were 



EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 91 

reserved for other uses, viz : One share to the first settled 
minister ; one share for the ministry from generation to gen- 
eration.* This riglit has been disposed of, and I say happily 
disposed of, (notwithstanding the good intentions of the 
grantors, and perhaps the illegality of the act,) for in this 
day it is not a bone of contention. A third share was 
reserved for the support of schools ; and it is a matter of 
regret that this also is disposed of. 

There were not only reservations, but also conditions in 
the charter. The first condition was that a meeting house 
should be built by the grantees, for the use of the inhabi- 
tants; and built as near the centre, as by the grantees should 
be judged most convenient. The time for this to be done 
was limited to May, 1753. Such a house within about three 
rods north east of the now Old Meeting House, was erected, 
enclosed and covered, and little more ever done to it. Thus, 
it remained the place of worship, until after what is now 
called the Old Meeting House in the centre was occupied.f 

Another condition in the charter was, that on some lot in 
each share, three acres should be cleared, enclosed, and fitted 
for mowing or tillage in two years from the date ; and on 
each should be a house at least sixteen feet square, and seven 
feet or more studded, with a chimney and cellar, fitted for a 
dwelling, and some person or family inhabit it, before the 
last of May, 1752; and residence be continued until May, 
1755. 

The settlement of the town advanced slowly. Yet it 
appears from the report of a committee, appointed to ascer- 
tain who had not performed their duty, that in three years 
after the grant, twenty-three settlements had been begun — 
few had more than eight acres cleared, and the greatest 
clearing was twenty acres. Two good houses, one barn and 

* Supposed to be three lots. 

f This house was afterwards torn down ; and at the time the following' incident took place. 
When the frame was all down except the four posts confined by the gallery sills, Amos Dakin 
was standing on one of these sills, when the remainder of the frame swayed and fell. He kept 
his place until almost to the ground, and then leaped and fell flat j the timber just passed over 
him, and he received no injury. 



92 MEMOIR OF THE 

a young orchard were reported. What kind of houses, the 
first were, may be gathered from this circumstance, that Mr. 
Obadiah Parker's house was tlic first framed house in the 
town, perhaps the only one, at that time,* and only two were 
called good. From which we may conclude that twenty-one 
out of the twenty-three were made of round logs, or at best 
with square timber; but one of these log houses remains to 
this day.f 

When the settlements were very few, instead of being 
compact, as might have been expected from the social nature 
of man, they were* scattered to almost every part of the 
town, Enosh Lawrence, whose axe was first heard to 
resound in our forests, was from Pepperell, and Ijcgan his 
settlement in the south part of the town, where Ephraim Ilil- 
dreth now lives. His wife was the first white woman in the 
town, and lived to old age. Nathan Hall, known here as 
Deacon Hall, also from Pepperell, began next to Mr. Law- 
rence, and settled in the north part, where Joseph Saunders 
now lives. Obadiah Parker located himself on the west side 
of the town. There were only three women in the town, 
when Mrs. Parker left her relatives and friends in Chelms- 
ford, to accompany her husband into this wilderness, which 
was then considered as almost the far West. Thomas Tarbell 
settled in the east, where some of his descendants now live, 
and a Mr. Powers located in the extreme east. For a time 
the only place that appeared like a neighborhood was on the 
hill, where deacon Hall settled. Soon after him Henry Jefts 
began where Jonathan Batchelder lives ; Nathan Fish where 
L-a Hall lately lived, and one Samuel Tarbell where Luther 
Nutting lives. 

The character of the first settlers was that of plain, honest 
farmers. Most of them, in the common language of the 
world, were poor. Some of them had scarcely more than 
their clothes, their axe and a little provision. They were 

*This is the old house on the place where Samuel Wheeler Westou now lives, 
t The house in which Stephen Foster now resides. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 93' 

also men of little education, and their children suffered greatly 
for want of schooling. 

Would our children and youth know how great their privi- 
leges are, and how to prize them, let them, in imagination, go 
back fifty or sixty years, and place themselves for a little 
time beside those of their age at that period. The children 
were then so widely scattered, that for a time it was imprac- 
ticable to form them into schools. The standard of educa- 
tion also was low. A man who could read plain reading, and 
cypher to the Rule of Three, was considered qualified to 
teach a common school. And even in the early days of your 
fathers, my young friends, when they went to school they had 
not a well constructed and comfortable school house. Most 
commonly they had a room in some private house, miserably 
fitted up with benches to sit on, and a kind of tottering table 
on which to write, and not unfrequently scarcely light enough 
to see to read. Add to all this, they had very few books in 
schools or in families. In many places scholars seldom if 
ever heard in school of English Grammar, Geography, Natu- 
ral Philosophy, Mathematics, &c., which are studies now 
brought within the reach of almost every youth. If therefore 
the present generation do not exceed the preceding in useful 
learning, great blame must be attached to them. 

Our forefathers, and mothers too, who subdued the wilder- 
ness before them, were a hardy and an industrious race. 
The prime object of their clothing was comfort, and their 
food was very uniform and plain. Tea was not known among 
them in this early period. In summer, milk and bread was 
the food, especially of children, morning and evening; and in 
the winter, as a general thing, they had a good boiled dish for 
dinner, which laid the foundation for a supper, and for a 
breakfast next morning for the family. And I presume those 
early inhabitants of the town never heard of such a disease 
as dyspepsia. They were not distinguishingly subject to 
fevers ; and cases of consumption were very rare ; and where 
they did occur, they were slow in their progress — not unfre- 
13 



94 MEMOIR OF THE 

quently did it take years to do the work, which consumption 
now sometimes performs in a few weeks. Also, when our 
hardy ancestors were going through the toil of subduing the 
wilderness, they did not have ardent spirits to cool them in 
the heat of labor, when toiling in the sun, or to warm tlicm 
when buffeting the storms, or enduring the cold of winter. 

Another trait in the character of the early settlers of Xo. 
1, is to be distinctly noticed, or we shall injure them. Most 
of them were brought up where the holy Sabbath was 
regarded, and they were accustomed to hear the gospel 
preached. They did not, when removed far from the sanctu- 
ary, and from the ordinances of the gospel, feel as if this 
were a desired freedom. They not only made early efforts, 
even before they were an incorporate body, to have occasional 
preaching, but they were desirous of having a minister settled 
among them ; and few and feeble as they were, they did not 
shrink from the effort on account of the expense. As early 
as 1753, the proprietors and inhabitants voted to allow sixty 
pounds (Old Tenor undoubtedly,) to pay for preaching, and 
from this time it appears they had preaching more or less 
every year. 

Previous to this, they had voted to build a meeting house, 
agreed upon the dimensions, appointed a committee, and 
directed them "to enclose the house, lay the under floor, and 
build a convenient place for the minister to stand in to 
preach." This was an arduous undertaking considering their 
number, and especially that they had no mill, in which they 
could prepare materials for building from their own forests. 
But it was done. And having a house for worship, they were 
not satisfied with preaching part of the time. They voted to 
settle a minister as early as 1762, i. e., in thirteen years 
after the grant of the township. At the same time they gave 
a call to Mr. Ebenczer Champney, (the late Judge Champney, 
of New Ipswich,) to settle with them; and offered him as 
settlement "700 £ silver, 0. T. £400 salary yearly, and a 
right of land." This was a generous offer considering their 



EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 95 

number and circumstances. I have named these sums more 
particularly for the benefit, or perhaps the amusement, of 
the young people, who may wish for some information 
respecting this Old Tenor, and its valuation. 

The currency of our ancestors in New England was reck- 
oned in j)ounds, shillings and pence, and was called Old 
Tenor, in distinction from another valuation of the same 
denominations of money, called Lawful money, or sometimes 
New Tenor. Now although the same terms were used in 
both, their meaning, or valuation was widely different. The 
denomination in Old Tenor was just seven and a half times 
less in value, than the same in Lawful money. Hence to 
reduce LaAvful money into Old Tenor is to multiply it by 7^, 
and to reduce Old Tenor into Lawful money, divide by the 
same. Hence we see that the offer made to Mr. Champney 
was, in the present currency of the day, |311 12 cents settle- 
ment, and $177 78 cents salary."^ Mr. Champney did not 
accept the call ; nevertheless the people were not discouraged. 
In 176G, they gave a call to one James Parker, with an offer 
of £400 0. T., until there were eighty families, and then ,£450 
until one hundred families, from which time the salary should 
be established at X500. This call was not accepted ; and it 
does not appear that any other like attempt was made, until 
an act of incorporation was obtained. 

These hardy pioneers not only suffered many privations, 
but endured many severe hardships. Not the least of these 
was the labor of making roads, and for years the badness of 
traveling, where something was done to make a road. And 
until they could raise some grain on their new farms, all 
their bread stuffs, and most of their other provisions must be 
brought from the older settlements. The instance of hard- 
ship, which I am about to name, may be an extreme case, but 
it may help our young friends to form some idea of the suffer- 
ings incident to new settlers, especially to those, who are 

* Thus £700-:-7i=£93, 6, 8 Lawful=$311 11-1- settlement. Again, £400 O. T.-:-by 7i= 
£53 6s. 8d. Lawful=to $177 78-1-cents. 



86 MEMOIR OF THfi 

poor and destitute. Deacon Hall, who has been named, 1 
have been informed, after having toiled all day on his farm, 
has in the night traveled on foot to Peppcrcll, and returned 
bringing a bag of meal on his shoulder for his hungry chil- 
dren ; and then labored the next day as usual. 

Not the least of the sufferings, and the cause of continued 
suffering, arose from their ignorance of clearing wood land, 
by felling the trees and then burning the ground over. I 
have been told by some of them that for several years, the 
only method of clearing the forest was to chop the wood, 
draw it together, pile it, burn the heaps, and then break up 
the ground with the plough, or breaking-up hoe, before plant- 
ing or sowing. This accounts in some measure for the slow 
progress they at first made in clearing. 

Again, the people suffered very much for years from want 
of mills. It was a primary object with the grantees and 
first settlers to have mills erected ; and, as encouragement, 
mill seats were looked out, and land granted and contracts 
made, but I can find no evidence, of a mill of any description 
in the town before the year 1766 or 7. In the year 1767, I 
find an article in a warrant for a meeting of the proprietors, 
to see if they will accept the road by Thomas Barrett's mill, 
and build a bridge across Souhegan river, near said mill. It 
appears that Benjamin Bellows, Esq., contracted to build 
mills at this place, but did not fulfil his contract. And also 
that Thomas Barrett and Charles Barrett built mills in this 
place, and sold them to Amos Dakin, of Lincoln, Mass., who 
removed with his family into this town in the year 1768. At 
that time, seventy-eight years since, there was no opening in 
the dense forest, where this village now stands, except for 
the mill, and a spot cleared for a house. In 1767, Elias 
Elliot's mill was accepted by the proprietors. I have also 
evidence that not far from the same time, a mill was erected 
in the east part of the town, on the Ward place so called, 
where Mr. Bennet now lives. 

Now think how much the people must have suffered who 



REV. EBfiNEZER HILE. 97 

lived ten or fifteen years, where, if they raised any grain they 
must carry it to Townsend or Pepperell, and sometimes even 
to Groton, to have it made into meal ; and although they had 
timber in abundance, they could not have a board, but it must 
come from another town. Yet they submitted to these 
inconveniences and hardships with cheerfulness, and perse- 
vered in labor, till they had prepared for the comfort of 
their children. 

Not only did the men display courage, and resolution, and 
public spirit, but I have been told by the women themselves, 
that they have traveled, some two, and some three miles 
through the woods, with nothing to direct their way but 
marked trees, to carry dinner to their husbands, when work- 
ing at the meeting house. I believe that some of my hearers 
Would think such a case a great hardship, if the case was 
theirs. 

But, however strong female fortitude may be in duty, where 
none are exposed to danger but themselves, how must the 
tender mother suffer, if her young children are absent a little 
longer than was expected, or if out of sight when the light 
of day departs — where the wolves and other wild animals 
are so numerous, that their noise in the night would break 
those of their rest, who had toiled all day, and needed the 
refreshment of sleep ? 

Many of the early settlers reared up and left large families, 
and their descendants are numerous in the town; but some 
of the families are almost extinct. Our fathers, where are 
they ? Many of them lived to be old. But they are gone.* 

As to natural curiosities, this town does not abound in 
them. There are no very remarkable caverns, or precipices, 
or streams ; and we all know that the face of the ground is 
uneven, and the soil is stony. There is, however, in the deep 

* A case I will here name as very uncommon and remarkable. Deacon Hall, of whom I have 
spoken, built him a house in the early period of his settlement, and dwelt in it, with his fam- 
ily (which was not small) to his old age — till it was no longer habitable, and never did an 
instance of death occur in that house. Nevertheless, the builder, and I believe all that were 
brought up in that house, have gone the way of the earth. 



98 MEMOIR OF THE 

hollow, cast of the old meeting house, (where by some con- 
vulsion of nature the rocks are thrown together in wild con- 
fusion,) a small cave, which those who have visited, have 
thought worthy of a visit. The streams of water are small, 
yet they afford some valuable mill sites, on which are now 
eight saw-mills in operation part of the year, and six run of 
stone for grinding grain. 

In this place, I will name another fact, which may be con- 
sidered belonging to the history of the town. The hills were 
favorite hunting grounds, and long before a grant of the town 
was obtained, and for years after it began to be settled, the 
hunters frequently kindled fires in the woods for the benefit 
of their hunting. And if the hunters did not fire the woods, 
some men from lower towns did, that young sprouts might 
come up for young cattle to feed upon. By these means, 
some parts of the town, especially Pole Hill, so called, rang- 
ing south from the stone school house, was greatly injured, 
while yielding grain to those who did not own the soil. And 
some families in Groton used to make hay in the meadow, 
near the centre, called Nose-meadow, where they had a camp, 
and in the latter part of winter send up young cattle, and a 
black man named Boad, to feed and tend them, until they 
could get their living in the woods.* Here Boad used to 
spend moutlis alone, year after year, like Robinson Crusoe, 
"sole monarch of all he sm-veyed." 

The period to which we have now arrived, was to this town 
like that of youth, just blooming into manhood. They began 
to think, and talk of being incorporated. They had a desire 
to be like other towns ; and yet had fears whether equal to 
take such a stand. This kind of trembling state of mind 
appears from their votes at meetings, where the subject was 
agitated. At a meeting called partly for this purpose, April, 
1766, it was finally voted, not to be incorporated at present. 
Thus it rested until January, 1768, ^nd the meeting was 

* Bead's camp was but a few rods from the spot, on which Joel Ames' house now stands. — 
This Boad was a slave. 



EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 99 

adjourned four weeks for cousideration. At the adjournment 
it was voted to be incorporated, " and that Lt. 0. Parker be 
appointed to attend to the business, and get it accomplished 
as soon as may be." 

The next point to be settled, was the name by which the 
town should be called. And at a meeting held June, 1768, it 
was voted that the town be called Sharon. It does not appear 
from any records I have seen, or from any tradition which has 
reached me, why the name of Sharon was dropped, and the 
name Mason adopted. There was, however, a report current 
among the old people, that "a bell was sent from England for 
this town, as a present from the heirs of Mr. Mason," which, 
if fact, will account for the name. It is also reported, that 
by the knavery of the agent of Mr. Mason in Boston, the bell 
was lost to the town — that he sold the bell, and absconded 
with this and other dishonest gains. And the bell on the 
Old South in Boston, is said to be that bell. The nest meet- 
ing was warned in the name of the inhabitants of Mason ; 
and the place was no longer known as Number 1. But 
although they had assumed a rank among the towns in the 
Province, they felt themselves, as a society, weak and feeble. 
When the first tax was assessed under the corporation, there 
were but seventy-six rateable polls, and probably not more 
than fifty-six voters ; for young men between eighteen and 
twenty-one years of age were rateable, and their rates 
charged to fathers or masters. And for a number of years, 
Brookline, then Raby, was classed with Mason to send a rep- 
resentative to the General Court; and the meetings for 
choice were held alternately at Brookline and Mason. 

It will be necessary now to take some notice of the church, 
in connection with the history of the town. At that time a 
town was an incorporate religiotis, as well as civil society. 
And all the inhabitants of a town belonged to that society, 
except they united with, or formed another religious society, 
according to law. The meeting house erected by the original 
proprietors, was by them given to the town, and remained 



100 MEMOIR OP THE 

the only house for their religious assemblies, and other public 
meetings, until the year 1790. It was an uncomfortable 
place. In that house did your fathers worship ; and uncom- 
fortaljlc as it was, seldom did a Sabbath pass, even in the 
cold of winter, in which there was no meeting, after they had 
a stated ministry. A good number of the oarly settlers were 
members of the Congregational church, in the towns from 
which they removed, but no church was formed in Mason, 
until the year 1772, at which time Mr. Jonathan Searle was 
ordained their pastor. The church then consisted of twenty- 
one members, twelve brethren and nine sisters, all of whom 
are gone to their long home. When the church was gathered, 
it was stated to be a Calvinistic church, and that their articles 
of faith agree substantially with the principles of religion, 
contained in the Shorter Catechism of the Assembly of 
Divines. 

Shortly after the settlement of Mr. Searle, unhappy diffi- 
culties arose between the pastor and the flock, which eventu- 
ated in his dismission, in nine years and three months after 
his ordination. From that time Mr. Searle ceased to preach, 
but continued in the town, and olficiated as a civil magistrate, 
to an advanced age. During his ministry, only fourteen were 
admitted to the church by profession, and nine by letter, and 
eleven owned the covenant, as it was called, according to the 
practice of many churches in New England, in those days. 
The last admitted by profession in Mr. Searle's ministy, was 
in April, 1777, and but one more, and that by letter, until 
1790. Here was a long death-like sleep! but one added to 
the church in thirteen years. The sleep seems to have been 
profound — death-like indeed, until the year 1785, when a 
great revival of religion, and of the work of God, com- 
menced in New Ipswich, under the ministry of the venerable 
Farrar — a name venerated indeed by all who knew him. 
The gracious work extended into other towns ; and this part 
of the vineyard was remembered in mercy. Some few chris- 
tians were awakened, and brought to apply themselves to 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 101 

neglected duties ; and the people in Mason, especially the 
young, flocked to the solemn meetings in New Ipswich, and 
soon some were reproved of sin, became anxious for their 
souls, and after a time, rejoiced in hope of pardoning mercy. 
Such, however, was the state of the church in Mason, broken, 
and dispirited, that the young candidates for the church were 
led to seek admission to the church in New Ipswich, to which 
they had become peculiarly attached by that acquaintance, 
which their situation and intercourse had brought about; 
and by that mutual love which new-born souls, who have 
mourned, and wept, and prayed and rejoiced together, must 
feel. Their request was granted, on condition that they 
remove their relation whenever the church in Mason should 
become in a settled state. In the year 1790, the resident 
members of other churches removed their relation, and the 
church was increased to thirty-six in number, and in the same 
year, Nov. 3d, was the present pastor ordained, and constitu- 
ted pastor of this church. In this long period of fifty-six 
years, there have been precious seasons of revival. I will 
mention some of those seasons. In 1802, the church was 
increased by the addition of forty-four members — in 1812, 
added twenty-five — in 1826 and 7, added eighty-six — in 1834 
and '35, added thirty-eight; and in 1841, added eighty-three. 
The whole number of members, received by profession and 
letter, is rising four hundred and fifty. 

A Baptist church was embodied in this town, Oct. 28, 1786, 
then consisting of seven members, three males and four 
females. Additions were made by letter and profession to 
this church in this and neighboring towns. About this time, 
Mr. Wm. Elliot, an inhabitant of the town, commenced 
preaching the gospel, and labored much in this and other 
towns, as an evangelist, until in August, 1788, the church of 
which he was a member, gave him a call to become their 
pastor, which call he accepted, and was ordained by an eccle- 
siastical council, on the 3d Wednesday in November, 1788. 
For a time, the care of almost all the Baptist churches in the 
14 



102 MEMOIR OP THE 

vicinity, came upon liim. He raised up a numerous family, 
and had two sons settled in the ministry. He lived to a 
good old age, his last sickness was very distressing, which he 
endured with patience, and died in the triumphs of faith, 
June 14, 1830, aged 81 years. The church of which he was 
pastor, is now merged in the Baptist church in Mason village. 

In the month of May, in the year 1833, another church 
and society was gathered and embodied in this town, consist- 
ing at the time, of twenty-three members. This society 
assume only the name of Christian. 

Since the year 1790, there has been no inconsiderable 
increase of inhabitants, and no little improvement in build- 
ings, and other accommodations. The exact number of voters 
in 1790, is not ascertained; but in 1768, we may calculate 
about fifty-six, and in March, 1845, our check list told three 
hundred and six legal voters. In the year 1790, when almost 
the whole town undertook to build a meeting house, it was 
with many discouragements and fears. They felt poor and 
weak-handed for such an undertaking. The house was built 
and remains the meeting house of the town. And now, besides 
this, we have three meeting houses, and three religious socie- 
ties, and probably each society equally able to build their 
house, as was the first. 

I can reckon up but one hundred and ten dwelling houses, 
of every description, standing in the town in 1790. And at 
that time, on all the ground which contains this flourishing 
village, there were standing the first mill built here, one 
dwelling house, built at two times, for the accommodation of 
two families, and one barn.-' Now Ave can count fifty-two 
dwelling houses, three stores, one meeting house, three fac- 
tory buildings — one in full operation, carrying two thousand 
four hundred and sixty-four spindles, in this village. 

Compare the present state of the Columbian Factory, with 
the one first built here, and it will give a fair view of the 
advance of our country in manufactures, arts and commerce. 

" The widow Polly mil now occupies the remaining part of the house. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 103 

The first Cotton Factory in Mason, commenced operation 
in the year 1813, with one hundred spindles, in four small 
frames, and was kept running night and day. At that time, 
the price of cotton was from twenty-five to thirty cents 
per pound, and the price of yarn. No. 16, was one dollar per 
pound. In 1814 cotton was forty cents, and yarn one dollar 
and sixteen cents per pound. At that time all the cotton 
was picked by hand, in private families, and the cloth was 
wove in house looms ; and the price of shirting, was from 
thirty to forty cents per yard. For constant market the cloth 
must be sent in wagons to Albany. And at that time there 
was no market here for farm produce. 

At the time referred to, 1790, there were but four, and 
those very poor, school houses in the town ; now there are 
ten; some of them may be called good. And not only is the 
number of dwelling houses increased, but there is an advance 
in elegance and convenience. At that time many of the 
dwellings were miserably poor; and but one in all the town, 
Mr. Parker's, had any paint on the outside, and that scarcely 
perceptible by reason of age. And I can think of only three 
rooms in all the town, then adorned with paper hangings. 

Since those ancient days there have been great changes in 
customs and fashions, and manner of living ; and many con- 
veniences have been introduced ; but whether on the whole 
for the better, remains to be proved. At that period there 
was not a chaise, or other wheel carriage for pleasure, in all 
the town, (a light one horse wagon, for pleasure or business 
is a modern invention,) neither was there one single sleigh. 
To ride on horseback was fashionable for men and women ; 
and could they have a single horse, this was traveling in style. 
It was not uncommon for a man and woman to ride on the 
same horse to meeting or a short journey, and carry one or 
two children. Probably if I should tell some of my young 
friends, that their mothers and grandmothers rode on ii inllion 
behind their husbands, they would have no idea of that easy 
and commodious seat, a pillion. But, I have frequently seen 



104 MEMOIR OF THE 

a man and liis wife ride togetlier on a liorse to meeting, on 
the sabbath, after their united ages amounted to one hundred 
and sixty-nine years. It was also not uncommon for families 
to ride to meeting, or to make social visits, in the winter, on 
sleds drawn by oxen, and they would chat and smile as cheer- 
fully, as they now do in a stage and four or six. 

And will you, my young friends, believe that your mothers 
and grandmothers, and those who moved in the first grade of 
society, were not ashamed to be seen in the religious assem- 
bly, or in any company on other occasions, dressed in their 
plain, decent, warm, home-made clothing, or at the most, in 
the summer, in a chintz gown, and a white linen apron ? Such 
was indeed the fact. And you may judge, whether they were 
not more comfortable than they would have been in some mod- 
ern dresses — whether the change to costly elegance and finery 
has been a real advance in the enjoyment of life. 

In the early period of the settlement, it was often imprac' 
ticable to keep the roads open in the winter, so as to pass 
with a team or a horse from house to house, to meeting or 
to mill. The people were not however confined at home, 
through a long and dreary winter. Every family, and almost 
every man was provided with a pair of snow shoes, otherwise 
called raclcets. (It would doubtless be as difficult at this day 
to give our young men a correct idea of rackets, as to give 
our young ladies a correct idea of a j)iUion. ) With these 
snow shoes they were enabled to walk on the snow, and after 
passing a few times would have a good foot path from house 
to house. And not unfrequently were they necessitated to 
get up their wood, and carry their grain to mill, on hand sleds 
drawn on these racket paths. And although horses could not 
travel, you may not think the young ladies or their mothers 
were confined at home, and must lose all the pleasures of 
social visits, while the snow lay deep on the ground. They 
too would put on the snow shoes, and travel off; and although 
enduring a little more fatigue, they enjoyed their visits, it is 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 105 

presumed, as well as do ladies at the present day, when wafted 
over the snow with the music of bells. 

Our ancestors were a hardy race, but they were sometimes 
visited with sickness, and death entered their dwellings. For 
a long time they must have obtained all their medical aid 
from other towns ; for there never was a resident Physician 
in the town, until about 1790, when Dr. Joseph Gray and 
Dr. William Barber established themselves permanently here. 
Dr. Barber is yet living. Dr. Willis Johnson commenced 
medical practice here in the year 1814. 

The inhabitants were not so exactly on the peace establish- 
ment as to have no litigation ; but they were necessitated to 
seek legal advice and services from gentlemen of the bar in 
other towns. For there never was a lawyer became an inhab- 
itant of this town, until the late Samuel Whiting, Esq., opened 
an office, and commenced residence about the year 1825. At 
the time of my earliest acquaintance with the town, there 
were, and there had never been, but two justices of the peace 
in the place, Jonathan Searle and Benjamin Mann; they 
remained the only magistrates in the town several years after 
this. Esquire Mann held his office until he removed from the 
town, and Esquire Searle held his until his death. Who was 
the first Representative of the town in the General Court, as 
it was then called, is not easily ascertained. But it appears 
that as early as the year 1775, Amos Dakin was chosen by 
the joint ballot of Raby and Mason, to represent them in a 
Convention at Exeter in December; and likewise commis- 
sioned to act in the Assembly, if requisite. This must have 
been the time when Mr. Dakin traveled from Mason to Exe- 
ter on snow shoes, because not practicable in any other way. 
He may be considered the first Representative. The first 
Grand Juror chosen was Thomas Tarbell, the first petit Juror 
drawn was Zachariah Davis — the year 1771. 

The early inhabitants of the town of Mason were true sons 
of liberty. When the difficulties between the mother country 
and the Colonies, arose to such a pitch as to take away the 



106 MEMOIR OP THE 

hope of accommo elation, they were ready to act with decision. 
I have never heard of but one inhabitant of Mason, at that 
time, wlio was unfriendly to the cause of the Colonies. Cap- 
tain Samuel Tarbell was then considered a tory, as those were 
called, who were disposed to espouse and maintain the cause 
of the King and Parliament in all their oppressive acts against 
the Colonics. He, after the war commenced, fled and took 
refuge within the British lines. When it was apparent that 
the Colonies must submit unconditionally, or, weak and feeble 
as they were, must defend themselves against the mighty 
power of Great Britain, these sons of the forest were by no 
means behind any of their brethren, in making preparation 
for defence, and in readiness to step forward and exert their 
strength, when called to action. In the year 1774, meetings 
of the town were frequent ; and it appears that there was 
great unanimity in their resolves, which were all of the defen- 
sive character. In this year they voted to purchase a town 
stock of ammunition, and a quantity of arms. At the same 
time, they entered into solemn covenant to suspend all com- 
mercial intercourse with Great Britain, until her acts of Par- 
liament leveled at the rights of the Colonies should be repeal- 
ed, and the Port of Boston, which was then shut, should be 
opened. This covenant was substantially the same, as was 
entered into in the Colonies generally ; but the spirit of these 
sons of liberty was seen in the closing up of the solemn cov- 
enant, the last clause of which was in substance, that " all 
who refused or neglected to come into this or a like agree- 
ment, ought to be, and should by them be considered and 
esteemed enemies to their country." Such a covenant was 
not only voted in town meeting to be accepted, but a com- 
mittee was appointed to see that the covenant be signed by 
the inhabitants, and to take and report the names of all who 
refused to sign. This committee consisted of the following 
persons : Amos Dakin, Samuel Brown, Joshua Davis, Nathan 
Hall and James Wethee. Also, in 1775, a committee of 
inspection was appointed, to see that the resolves of the Con* 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 107 

tinental Congress be duly observed. And to prepare for 
comfortable subsistence as well as for defence, in town meet- 
ing it was voted, in view of the increasing difficulty which 
might be expected, of procuring such a necessary article as 
salt, "that thirty hogsheads be purchased, while it could be 
had, for the use of the town." 

We have evidence also, that the fathers of the present gen- 
eration were not only brave and prudent in Resolves, but also 
in action. 

When tidings arrived in Mason, that the Regulars, i. e. the 
British troops, had gone out from Boston, and proceeded as 
far as Concord, and that blood was actually shed in Lexing- 
ton and Concord, the men dropped their tools, and with all 
possible speed, hastened to the spot, where blood had flowed. 
And I have been informed that the training soldiers, on this 
occasion, ready to avenge the blood of their slaughtered 
countrymen, marched under officers, who held their commis- 
sion from the King, whose troops they were willing to 
engage, without thinking of any impropriety. New Hamp- 
shire troops were distinguished in the war. And as far as 
can be judged at this time from town records and tradition, 
Mason bore its full proportion, with other towns, in sufferings 
and effective labor. 

I wish I could give you the names of all the Mason men, 
who were with the gallant Stark in the battle of Bennington. 
Many of the young men of the town spent their best days in 
the army. Some of the elderly men were found in the 
tented field ; but many of the soldiers entered the service of 
their country in their very boyhood, not by compulsion, but 
by voluntary enlistment, and continued in the service, until 
the independence of the country was acknowledged, and 
peace spread her blessings over the land. A few, and but a 
few of them all, survive to the present day. 

The names of most of the early settlers in the town, are 
handed down in their posterity. A few families have lost 
their name, yet the greater part of the present inhabitants, 



108 MEMOIR OF THE 

are descendants of those who cleared the forests for them. 
Who will be ashamed of such ancestors ? We pretend not 
that they were faultless ; but let their descendants emulate 
their virtues, and avoid their errors and faults, as far as they 
are known, and Mason will be a happy spot in our favored 
land. 

Your attention is now called to another subject, which 
makes a part of the history of the town, yet of a different 
character from that which we have been contemplating. 

Health is said to be the greatest of temporal blessings. 
Of this we have been favored with, at least, a common share 
with other towns around ; and we can tell of many instances 
of longevity. In the course of the forty last years, there 
have died in this town fifty-seven between eighty and ninety 
years old, fourteen between ninety and one hundred. One 
man, Jonathan Foster, exceeded one hundred years, and 
another, Oliver Eliott, one hundred and two and one-half. It 
may be well to note in a passing remark, that these two old 
men were very temperate in the use of intoxicating drinks, 
for the age in which they lived, and their common food was 
of the plainest kinds. 

But notwithstanding the acknowledged healthiness of the 
place, and many instances of longevity, we have had seasons 
of calamity, in which mortal sickness has prevailed. We 
have had two seasons in which angina maliorna, or throat 
distemper, or canker rash, so called, has spread terror and 
dismay over the place, and carried many of the young children 
and blooming youth, to an early grave. In the year 1810, 
this dreadful distemper made its appearance, in the last of 
March, or beginning of April, and continued to spread dismay, 
until the month of August. In this short period many fami- 
lies felt the scourge, and death cut off twelve children, all but 
two, under the age of five years. Again, in the years 1818 
and 1819, the same dreadful disease was epidemic in the 
town, and many of the children and youth fell before this 
destroyer. These years were the years of the greatest mor- 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 109 

tality ever known in the town ; in one 34, in the other 31 deaths, 
65 in two years. In the reign of this malignant disease, 
but one aged person fell before the shaft of death, while 
40 were cut down under the age of eighteen. With respect 
to the visitation of this malignant distemper at this time, it 
is to be remarked, it began in the South East part of the 
town, in the family of Darius Hudson, in a small house stand- 
ing on an highly elevated spot, not near any other building; 
this was about the middle of September, 1818 ; and it continued 
ty rage until tlie beginning of August, 1819. It is noted, it 
began in the South East part of the town. By this, you will 
understand, that we have no knowledge that the sickness 
existed at that time, in any neighboring town, and certainly 
it was not in any other house at this time. Its first appear- 
ance was in its most malignant form. In the short space of 
eight days, three out of seven children died in the first visited 
family. The disease did not spread in the nearest families. 
This did not appear to be a radiating point, from which 
contagion should issue forth in all directions. Instead of 
that, its next appearance was at a good distance, at least a 
mile to the North East, where there had been no communica- 
tion between the families. And the third case was in the 
extreme South part of the town. And thus it extended from 
East to West, from North to South, to every part of the 
town. Neither was it always the case, that all the children 
of the same fam.ily, or who lived in the same house, where 
the sickness was, had it. And not only, as in the first 
instance, but in other instances, those had the disease, who 
had not been exposed to catch it, as they say, by coming in 
contact with the diseased, or entering infected places. 

Here I will name one extraordinary case, and leave it 
without comment. 

There was a little girl in a family in the South side of the 

town, somewhat remote from neighbors, who was the only 

child in the house. She was an adopted daughter ; and the 

foster mother had such forebodings of death, should the 

15 



110 MEMOIR OP THE 

disease attack her child, and such apprehensions of danger 
from exposure, that from the first knowledge she had of the 
existence of the disease in the town, she restricted her child 
to the house, and suflcrcd no child from abroad to enter her 
doors. This secluded child fell sick of this frightful disease, 
and died. 

In conclusion of this point of interesting history, I state 
that in the space of the last forty-six years," there have been 
removed from this town — from their houses, and fields, and 
possessions, to the narrow home appointed for all the livin|^ 
a number, little, if any short of eight hundred and thirty. 
What a congregation this would make ! more than half the 
number of the present inhabitants. Looking at the past, 
what changes may be expected in the future ? It is believed 
that there are but two living, on earth, who were members of 
the Congregational chm-ch, in this town, in the year 1790, 
(LydiaWilson and PollyDunster,)and but two who were at that 
time at the head of a family, (widow Withington and James 
Wethcc.) how often have we all been admonished to prepare 
for death, and for that judgment which is after death. Death 
doth not select his victims among the aged, but often levels 
his arrow at the fairest blooming youth. Let such another 
period, as we are contemplating, pass away, and few, if any, 
of the present active inhabitants of this town, will bo on 
earth. 

Be not ofi'ended, then, with one who has passed the greater 
part of his short life with you, and whose glass of life is just 
run out, who would aifectionately entreat you to consider 
your latter end — would direct your attention to the end of 
time, and to your present preparation to die. remember, 
Christ in you is the hope of glory, and the only hope that 
will not fail. Look away to the Lamb of God, as the only 
savior of sinners — go to him as sinners — go without delay. 
Or if you have already made Christ all your salvation, let 
him have your heart — let him have your life, and then when 
you shall have done with all things here below, you will not 



^ REV. EBENEZER HILL. Ill 

only rest from all your labors in the peaceful grave, but you 
will live in the full enjoyment of the love and favor of Christ, 
forever and ever. Your friend prays that your future history, 
may be pleasantly instructive to all who come after you ; and 
may your last end be peace. 



112 MEMOIR OP THE 



LIST OF PUBLISHED DISCOUESES. 



The following list includes, it is believed, all the published 
discourses of Mr. Hill. 

1. A sermon delivered at Mason, April 11, 1803, at the 
funeral of Miss Persis Lawrence, daughter of Mr. Stephen 
Lawrence, aged 23 years. Text Eccl. 8 : 8. Printed at 
Amherst, by Joseph Gushing. 

2. A sermon delivered at Mason, March 22, 1805, at the 
funeral of Miss Hannah Lawrence, daughter of Stephen Law- 
rence, Esq. Aged 26 years. Text, Psalm 90 : 12. Printed 
at Amherst, by Joseph Gushing. 

3. A sermon delivered at Mason, July 18, 1805, at tlie 
funeral of Mr. Luther Lawrence, son of Stephen Lawrence, 
Esq., aged twenty years. Text 1 Gor. 15 : 21. Printed at 
Amlierst, by Joseph Gushing. 

4. A sermon delivered at New Ipswich, June 3d, 1811, at 
the funeral of Miss Ruthy Bachelder. Text, Psalm 88 : 7, 8, 
18. 

5. A sermon delivered at New Ipswich, August 6th, 1811, 
at the funeral of William Kimball Bachelder. Text, Eccl. 
9:12; with an appendix, containing a sketch of the life of 
Miss Bachelder, and extracts from her letters and papers. 
Printed at Boston, by Munroe and Francis. Sermons and 
appendix, pp. 48. 

6. A sermon delivered at New Ipswich, September 22, 
1815, at the funeral of Miss Glarissa Davis. Text, Eccl. 9 : 
4; with an appendix, containing extracts from her diary and 
letters, by the Rev. Richard Hall. Prhited at Boston, by 
Samuel T. Armstronu-. 



REV. EBENEZER HILL. 113 

7. A sermon delivered at Mason, May 16th, 1817, at the 
funeral of Mrs. Mary Blodgett, wife of John Blodgett, Esq. 
who was instantly killed by being thrown from a wagon. 
Text, Ezekiel 24 : 18. Printed at Amherst, by Richard 
Boylston. 

8. A sermon delivered at Brookline, November 27th^ 
1817, at the interment of the remains of the Rev. Lemuel 
Wadsworth, pastor of the Congregational church in that 
place. Text, 2 Cor. 5 : 1. Printed at Amherst, by Richard 
Boylston. 

9. A sermon delivered at Mason, August 28th, 1826, at 
the funeral of Joseph Addison Bobbins, son of Joseph B. 
Bobbins and Hannah his wife. Text, Jer. 9 : 21. Printed 
at New Ipswich, by Salmon Wilder. 

10. A funeral sermon delivered at Mason, on Lord's Day, 
December 10th, 1826, occasioned by the death of Capt. 
Hiram Smith, who deceased December 6th, 1826, aged twenty- 
five years. Text, Job 21 : 23 — 26. Printed at Amherst, at 
the Cabinet press. 

11. A sermon delivered at Mason, at the house of James 
Wood, Esq., November 4th, 1835, being on the completing of 
his eightieth year. Text, Psalm 90 : 9 — 12. New Ipswich, 
printed at the News Gatherers's office. 

12. A sermon preached at Ashby, at the house of Mr. 
Jacob Cowdry, on the birth day of Mrs. Tabitha Pearson, 
who then completed the one hundredth year of her age. 
Text, 2 Sam. 19 : 34, 35, 37. Amherst, printed by Richard 
Boylston. 

13. The substance of two lectures on the History of 
Mason, delivered before the Lyceum in Mason village, Febru- 
ary, 1846. Printed at Fitchburg, by W. J. Merriam. 

These, with some contributions to the Medical and Agri- 
cultural Register, a periodical conducted by Dr. Daniel 
Adams, and some occasional communications to the Farmer's 
Cabinet, a newspaper published at Amherst, N. H., comprise 
all his printed works, so far as is known at this time. 



lu a family monument of native granite, erected in the old 
grave yard, is inserted a marble tablet, with an inscription, 
of whicli the following i^ a copy: 

HIS CHURCH AND PEOPLE DEVOTE THIS 
TABLET TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

KEY. EBENEZER HILL. 

BORN IN CAMBRIDGE, JAN. 31, 1766. 

GRADUATED AT HARVARD COLLEGE, 1786. 

ORDAINED PASTOR OF THE CHURCH, 

AND MINISTER OF THE TOWN OF MASON, 

NOVEMBER 3, 1790. 

DIED MAY 20, 1854, IN THE 89th YEAR OF HIS 
AGE, AND THE 64th OF HIS MINISTRY. 

A FAITHFUL SERVANT, HE DEVOTED HIS 
TIME AND STRENGTH TO THE WORK OF HIS 
LORD AND MASTER; READY AT ALL TIMES 
TO DIRECT THE ENaUIRING, TO CHEER THE 
DOUBTING, TO WARN THE SINFUL, TO VISIT THE 
SICK AND AFFLICTED, AND OFFER TO THEM 
THE COMFORT AND SUPPORT OF RELIGION; 
AFTER A LONG LIFE OF USEFULNESS, HE 
DEPARTED IN PEACE, HUMBLY TRUSTING TO 
RECEIVE THE WELCOME MESSAGE, WELL DONE 
GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT; ENTER THOU 
INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD. * 














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For the Congregational Journal. _^ 7^ 

REV. EBENEZER HILL. 

The death of this aged minister of Christ 
occurred on the 20th of May, at his residence 
in Mason, N. H. 

It is fitting that some notice should be ta- 
ken of the departure of one who faithfully 
served God in liis generation, and has been 
"gathered to his people" in a ripe old age. — 
He was born in Cambridge, Mass., Jan. 31, 



age. Little is known respecting his early 
life. His love of knowledge seems to have 
been early developed. He was greatly 
debted to his mother for his education. He 



pastor from 1790 to 1836 — a period of 46 
years. He was not then dismissed, but re- 
ceived a colleague, and continued to be senior 
pastor mitil his death — a term of 63 years 
and six months from his ordination. His 
first associate in the pastoral office was Rev. 
A. H. Reed, who commenced his labors in 
1836, and was dismissed Dec. 11, 1839.— 
The next was his own son, Rev. Jos. B. Hill, 
installed in Oct., 1841, and dismissed in 
April, 1847. The third colleague (and the 
present pastor) Rev. J. L. Ames was install- 



1766, and was therefore eighty-eight years of ed Oct. 30, 1850 — sixty years after "father 



Hill's" ordination. Thus it will be seen that 
he lived 17 years after he ceased to bear the 
entire responsibilities of the ministry, and 
during this time he had three colleagues, the 



graduated from Harvard University in 1786, aggregate of whose terms of service amounts 



at the age of 20 — being one year in advance 
of John Quincy Adams. After leaving col- 
lege, he taught school for a time in Westford, 
Mass. His theological studies were pursued 
in Rindge, N. H., under the direction of Rev. 
Seth Payson, D. D. He was received into 
the church under Dr. Payson's care, on pro- 
fession of his faith, Sept., 1788. According 
to the testimony of an aged original member 
of the 1st Congregational church in Mason, 
his conversion took place while he was at 
Westford ; but m what circumstances or by 
what external means the writer is not inform- 
ed. 

He was ordained at !Mason Nov. 3, 1790. 



to only about 12 years, the remainder of the 
time being occupied by "supplies." He did 
not cease to preach jvhen he ceased to be the 
responsible pastor. He was always ready to 
go at the call of destitute churches, and cheer- 
fully took his place in the pulpit in the inter- 
im between the dismission of one colleague 
and the settlement of another. Many of the 
churches in this vicinity will remember very 
gratefully his sympathy and labors for them, 
when they were feeble and struggling A\-ith 
difficulties. The people of Sharon, N. H., 
often enjoyed his labors, and he felt a pecu- 
liar interest, at one time, in their welfare. 
When the present pastor was installed, 



Dr. Payson preached the sermon on that oc- three years ago last Oct., he was able to be 

casion, taking for his text, 2d Cor. 5 : 20. — present at the services. In Sept., 1851, his 

"Now then we are ambassadors for Clirist,'' mental faculties began to fail, and in a short 

&c. The sermon Avas pubHshed, and also the time he became unable to converse intelligi- 



charge to the pastor and right hand of fel- 
lowship. 

At the time he decided to settle in Mason, 
he also had a call from the church in Marl- 
boro' N. H. What his own views and feel- 



bly, or even to recognize his own family. — 
This decay of intellectual vigor was exceed- 
ingly painful to his friends, but it was no 
doubt wisely ordered. . He had very few lu- 
cid intervals after that time ; but when his 



ings were on entering the sacred office, Me mind seemed brightest his thoughts were 
cannot now ascertain, probably ; but we doubt dweUing upon the spiritual themes which 
not they were consistent and solemn. His had so long occupied them, or upon scenes 
subsequent career was alike honorable to 1 long past, and had httle or no connection 
Christ and significant of his OAvn hearty de- I mth the present. After a gradual wasting 
votion to his work. He was the second pas- away of the body, and without any irapor- 
tor of the old church m M. Rev. Joseph | tant change, he gently ceased to breathe at 
Searles being the first. He remained sole about daybreak, on the morning of the 20th 



ult. His funeral was attended three days af- 
ter, and his mortal remains now sleep in the 
burj'ing-ground only a short distance from 
his OAvn dwelling. 

ESTIMATION OF HIS CHARACTER. 

His Intellect. — His mental powers were 
remarkably well balanced, and so indeed was^ 
his whole character. It would be difficult toj 
point out any one faculty that projected very J 
far beyond the circumference of the others. 
His mind was strong and steady and clear. — 
It was liberally endowed with all those qual- 
ities Avhich men consider essential to a good 
intellect, capable of developing itself harmo- 
niously and usefully. He could not be call- 
ed a man oi great genius, if by that term we 
understand a powerful imagination and ex- 
traordinary capacity for all kinds of mental 
effort. |( 

Sterling good sense was perhaps the larg- 
est element in his intellectual character. His 
judgment Avas sound and unusually free from I 
hurtful prejudices. He was strongly inclined 
to the practical, though never discarding the- 
ory where it seemed necessary. He was ac- 
customed to hold his ojjinions with much re- ij 
serve, but his thoughts were expressed in a 
very clear and perspicuous manner. His mind i 
was aolid, rather than brilliant ; deliberate, j 
rather than quick ; comprehensive rather than , 
diffuse, yet always energetic and true to its 
own convictions. 

His theological views were strictly Calvin- 
istic. He never verged to either extreme in 
theology. He aimed to develope the doc- 
trines of the Bible, and always made that the i 
standard of aj)peal. Eschewing all wild aid 
unprofitable speculations, he sought to know 
the truth as it is in Jesus. He regarded the 
AVestminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism 
as a valuable compendium of truth, and used 
it as a manual in his family, more or less, for 
many years. He loved the fundamental doc- 
trines of the orthodox system, so called, and 
preached them distinctly and faitlifully. 

»'?s a preacher he had many excellencies. 
His style of writing was uncommonly ^/ain, 
but always suggestive and instructive. Its 
very simplicity was attractive. He never in- 
dulged in the flights of fancy, but drew large- 
ly upon that fund of excellent practical sense 
with which his Maker had endowed him. 



His personal ajjpeartjnce in the pulpit was | 
always deeply serious. He seemed to feel ; 
that he was an ambassador for Christ. The i 
pulpit was not a platform to him, where men 
may display the gi-aces of elocution, the bril- i 
hancy of their M'it, and the keenness of their ' 
satire, but the place where divine truth is to i 
be set forth with a view to save men from , 
impending wo. Hence his mode of address 
was far, very far removed from the flashy, 
superficial, taking style of some modem 
preachers. It was earnest, affectionate and 






times of affliction was very strong and tender. ! 
He was especially welcome at the bedside of | 
the sick and the dying. His presence at fu- i 
nerals was deemed very desirable ; so sooth- 
ing were his expressions of condolence and 
so appropriate were his exhortations and 
prayers. It may be truly said that no minis- 
ter in all this region excelled him in this re- 
spect. Unquestionably his own afflictions, 
which were not few nor shght, helped to 
qualify him for this service. 

He was a man of great sensibility, but he 
always kept his feehngs under control. He 
had what may be termed the grace of si- 
lence. His tongue was in complete subjec- 
tion ; he was a very judicious pastor. His 
advice was often sought by the neighboring 
churches. The number of councils which 
he attended was very large. < 

At the time of his death there was but 
one Congregational minister in New Hamp- 
shire older than he— Rev. Laban Ainsworth 
of Jafti-ey. 

Passing by many items, let us contem- 
plate his social and domestic qualities. 
Though habitually grave, he was not austere, 
but could ajjjjreciate wit, and on proper oc- 
casions indulged hi it himself. He was fond 
of conversation, and contributed not a little 
to make it entertaining. 



He was an excellent father — greatly re- 
vered and loved by his children, of whom 
there were fourteen, six sons and eight 
daughters. Aine of these are now living, 
viz. five sons and four daughters. Three of 
the sons received a liberal education ; two 
being ministers and one a lawyer. His chil- 
dren were trained in the nurture and admo- 
nition of the Lord. He dedicated them to 
God in baptism ; and at a family gathering, 
almost ten years ago, it was found that of 
the ten children then living all but two were 
professors of rehgion, while of those Avho 
have departed all sleej) in Jesus. His off- 
spring were truly a^odly seed. 

As the head of th* family, he was very 
punctual in the habit of family prayer. 
And his manner of conducting it Avas often 
very touching and solemn. 

He was called during his early manhood 
to drinlc the bitter cup of sorrow. Yet 
amid all his afRictions, he was calm and self- 
possessed, being upheld and comforted by 
the grace of God. 

The piety of father Hill was truly scrip- 
tural. It shone in all places and in all rela- 
tions, with a luster at once dehghtful and 
captivating. It produced in him very great 
reverence for God. This trait in his relig- 
ious character was quite prominent. His 
whole demeanor was reverential — his words, 
looks, and tones of voice. He ever treated 
the name and attributes of God with .sacred 
awe. He was a man of prayer ; he spent 
much time in secret communion with his 
Savior. And he was, as men say, truly 
"gifted in prayer." His humility was con- 
spicuous as well as his love of the Bible and 
the sanctuary. To him " Christ was all and 
in all," and self was mortified and forgotten. 
His attachment to the church of God Avas 
neculiarly strong. He could adopt the lan- 
guage of Dr. Dwight's hymn beginning — 
" I love thy kingdom, Lord." He insisted 



on going to the sanctuary as long as he was 
able to get there, and he instructed a class 
in the Sabbath School, until his failing 
strength compelled him to cease. Often 
after he was unable to preserve the sequence 
of his thoughts on ordinary subjects, and 
Avhen he scarcely knew whether it was morn- 
ing or evening, he would offer prayer in a | 
perfectly consecutive manner, — the language | 
being appropriate and his manner the same 
as if his family were gathered around him. 

The Christian graces seemed to be all 
ripe in him, years before his exit ; and he 
has " come to his grave in a full age, like 
as a shock of com cometh in his season." 

" Soldier of Christ, well done '. 

Praise be thy new employ, 
And while eternal ages run, 

Rest in thy Savior's joy." 

E. R. H. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
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